Did you know that dentists care just as much about heart health as your general practitioner? Many people don’t realize this, but dentists can not only catch the early signs of heart-related diseases in the mouth, but help reduce your risk. To celebrate American Heart Month in Greensboro, take a moment to learn how gum health plays an essential role in your long-term heart health and why routine dental checkups and cleanings matter; the reasons might surprise you!
How Poor Gum Health and Heart Disease are Linked
According to multiple studies on the subject from the American Heart Association, those with periodontitis, the more advanced form of gum disease, carry a higher risk of developing heart disease. This is because poor dental health increases the risk of bacterial infections in the bloodstream. The result is a negative effect on the heart valves, which can be especially devastating if you have artificial heart valves. Furthermore, tooth loss patterns have also been connected to coronary heart disease.
While it is true that there is no proof that gum disease directly causes heart disease, there is enough evidence to suggest that they share a common link. That alone is cause for concern for both cardiovascular experts and dentists alike. Thankfully, there are ways to protect yourself.
Why Routine Dental Checkups and Cleanings Matter
As more plaque and tartar accumulate in your mouth, more bacteria begins to grow and develop as well. In many cases, even the perfect at-home oral care routine cannot remove all of it. If you have tartar, you absolutely need to visit a dentist as they are the only ones with the tools and expertise to safely remove this calcified form of plaque. This is why dentists recommend cleanings once every six months.
Furthermore, it’s why routine exams are essential not just for your oral health, but your heart health as well. Surprisingly, symptoms tied to heart disease can actually appear in the mouth first, meaning a dentist can potentially catch sooner than a general doctor! Plus, if you don’t have plaque and tartar under control, a dentist will be the one to tell you that sooner rather than later.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Gum Health
While gum disease in Greensboro can be difficult to catch, that doesn’t mean it’s hard to prevent. With routine brushing twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste and daily flossing, you can remove plaque from all the surfaces of your teeth and gums with relative ease. Just make sure to brush for at least two minutes at a time and be careful not to snap the floss while using it.
Maintaining good at-home hygiene and regular dental visits is crucial to your oral health, but it also does favors for your heart. This February, take a moment to review your current oral care routine!
About the Author
Dr. David Fisher recognizes the unique relationship between oral health and systemic health. His comprehensive cleanings, detailed exams, and expert diagnoses are sure to give you confidence in your oral health as well as give you peace of mind. If you need to schedule a routine checkup or would like to learn more about his practice, you can contact him through his website.