February is American Heart Month, which on the surface may seem like an odd time to think specifically about the care you give your smile. The fact of the matter is, though, that oral health and cardiovascular health are more closely linked than many people realize. Here’s how the state of your grin can affect your heart – as well as how you can take better care of both.
Gum Disease and Heart Disease
Nearly half of all adults in the United States have some form of gum disease, which is inflammation of the gums caused by plaque and tartar buildup. The early symptoms of gum disease, such as swelling and bleeding, are relatively mild; however, if you don’t have the condition treated, it can eventually cause you to lose your permanent teeth.
Studies have shown that there is a link between gum disease and heart disease. Specifically, people with gum disease are about two to three times more likely to experience cardiovascular issues like heart attacks and strokes.
Many researchers believe that this relationship is a result of the fact that gum disease allows bacteria to enter your bloodstream. This gives them the opportunity to cause inflammation throughout your body, causing the narrowing of important arteries. Also, if the bacteria reach the heart, they might cause a life-threatening infection known as endocarditis.
How Can You Maintain Good Oral Health?
The best way to make sure gum disease doesn’t increase your risk of heart attacks is to prevent it from happening in the first place. To do this, make the following habits part of your regular routine:
- Thoroughly brush your teeth at least two times every day (or after every meal if you can).
- Floss daily to remove bacteria and food particles from between your teeth. You can use an interdental brush or a water flosser if you have trouble with traditional string floss.
- Use mouthwash at least two times a day.
- Make sure that all of your oral hygiene products have a seal of approval from the American Dental Association.
- Eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and other foods that promote gum health.
- Refrain from using any kind of tobacco product. Tobacco can drastically increase your chances of developing gum disease.
- Visit your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings. Make sure that they’re aware of any heart conditions you currently suffer from.
It goes without saying that avoiding gum disease does not guarantee that you’ll never suffer from cardiovascular problems. Nevertheless, maintaining excellent oral health is essential if you want to keep your risk of heart issues to a minimum.
About the Author
Dr. Deval Parmar graduated from MP Dental College in India. After moving to the United States, she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery at the Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. At Archway Dental in Frisco, she can offer her patients a number of treatments for gum disease, such as scaling and root planing. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Parmar, visit her website or call (972) 972-4646.