You’re at the doctor’s office for your annual checkup, and you know what’s coming—the advice to take better care of your heart. You know you should eat better, lay off the soda, and exercise more often to have your heart working in top-notch shape, but did you know that you can improve your heart health by keeping your oral health in check? In this blog post, you’ll learn more about how your smile and heart are connected in terms of your well-being and how your dentist near Manorville can contribute to your heart health.
The Mouth: The Gateway to the Body
As the receptacle for your body’s fuel, your mouth and what goes into it have an important effect on the rest of you. This warm, wet environment is filled with both good and bad bacteria that feed on the food you consume and can negatively impact your smile. For example, high sugar consumption promotes the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, which means trouble for your heart as well.
Gum Disease and Heart Disease
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, occurs when inflammation-causing bacteria irritate the gum tissue. At first, you may only experience red, swollen, bleeding gums, but without treatment, the condition can easily escalate, spread to the supporting bone, and eventually lead to tooth loss.
As serious as tooth loss is on its own, perhaps you wonder how an infection in the gum tissue can have any influence over your heart health. However, studies indicate that there is a strong connection between the two. In fact, those who have gum disease have been found to be two to three times more likely to have a serious cardiovascular event like a heart attack or stroke.
Many scientists believe that the connection lies with inflammation. When gums bleed, the bacteria that lead to gum disease can enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body. In blood vessels where flow is already narrow or restricted, these bacteria can cause long-term inflammation, putting more stress on the heart and further exacerbating heart health issues.
How to Preserve Your Oral (and Overall) Health
Luckily, taking care of your gums and preventing gum disease typically requires rather minimal upkeep. Twice every day, be sure to brush your teeth for two minutes at a time. Also, floss thoroughly between your teeth at least once a day. This simple, daily hygiene routine prevents plaque buildup around the gumline. Then, you need to visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings at minimum every six months. Those who struggle with gum disease may need more frequent visits to keep the condition under control.
Of course, you want to enjoy a strong, healthy heart for as long as possible so that you have a higher quality of life. When you combine these healthy oral habits with regular exercise and nutritious diet, you put your heart in a better position to continue working for your body at optimal levels.
About Beach Dental
Dr. Alexis Gersten and Dr. Jason Parli each have completed years of advanced training and clinical experience. They encourage dental visits about every four months to prevent the negative effects of an unhealthy mouth. At Beach Dental, they offer a wide range of services, including necessary preventive care, for patients of all ages. If you have questions about avoiding or treating gum disease, you can contact Beach Dental.