KEEP YOUR HEART HEALTHY WITH GOOD ORAL HYGIENE

Recent research indicates that your mouth could be directly related to the rest of your body. In fact, according to the American Dental Association, gum disease, missing teeth and cavities could be linked to heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and stroke.

Brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly is great for your overall health, but your good oral hygiene habits can also keep your ticker healthy.

Although the jury is still out, inflammation that occurs from gingivitis can put you at risk for all kinds of problems, including heart disease. 

Your mouth is full of healthy bacteria, but if you practice poor oral hygiene, you are opening yourself up to all kinds of issues. If you do not brush twice and floss once a day plaque, that film that appears on your teeth and below your gum line, could cause abnormal bacteria growth.  

According to your dentist, bleeding gums may enter your bloodstream. This will cause your blood vessels to become inflamed. Those bacteria will increase the risk of heart disease and contribute to additional plaque build-up. The addition of bacteria into your bloodstream could be setting you up for blood clots and Atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis occurs when your blood vessels become stiff and thick. This may happen if the plaque from your swollen gums gets into your bloodstream. Just like a clogged drain, the walls of your arteries may eventually plug up altogether causing a heart attack or stroke.

You may have gum disease if your gums bleed when you brush and floss or if you have a sour taste in your mouth. Other signs of gingivitis or periodontal disease include persistent halitosis, or bad breath, tender and swollen gums, sensitive teeth, or pain when you chew. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is imperative that you schedule an appointment with your dentist who can recommend treatments that can actually reverse the effects of gum disease.

More than half of people in the United States over the age of 55 suffer from some degree of gum disease. Staying on top of your oral hygiene will help you fight against gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice and flossing once each day, and do not forget to schedule regular dental checkups. Make your appointment today.

November 15, 2014 | Uncategorized Back to Blog