Did you know dental decay and gum disease can affect your heart?
If you have ever thought there’s no need to go to the dentist if you or your children don’t have any aches or pains in your mouth, then please read this.
Recent studies from Harvard Medical School show that people who have poor oral health (such as gum disease or tooth loss) have higher rates of cardiovascular problems such as heart attack or stroke than people with good oral health.
Oral health and heart disease are connected by the spread of bacteria and other germs from your mouth to other parts of your body through the blood stream. When these bacteria reach the heart, they can attach themselves to any damaged area and cause inflammation. This can result in an infection of the lining of the heart or other conditions such as atherosclerosis (clogged arteries) and stroke.
Inadequate oral hygiene and accumulated plaque puts you at risk for gum disease. People with chronic gum conditions such as gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease have the highest risk for heart disease caused by poor oral health, particularly if it remains un-managed.
Symptoms of poor oral hygiene include:
- Dry mouth
- Red, swollen or sore gums
- Bleeding when you brush or floss
- Frequent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Some of your teeth are loose or feel as though they’re moving away from other teeth
As with most things, prevention is the most important step. Thankfully there are many ways you can reduce your risk of gum and heart disease. Brushing and flossing daily along with regular checkups and professional cleans will help prevent inflammation. By being proactive about your oral health, you can keep not only your smile healthy and beautiful, but your heart too.
To take care of your teeth and gums, brush twice a day for two minutes, and floss afterwards. In addition, refrain from smoking, maintain a healthy diet, and exercise regularly.
*If you or someone you care for suffers from a mental illness or disability which prevent them from regular dental checkups, please reach out to us as we have a number of solutions which may be able to help.
