How Are Heart and Oral Health Related?

Valentine’s Day is a widely celebrated holiday in February, but there is another reason to be thinking about your heart. This month is Heart Health Month. There is no better time for you to learn about how your cardiovascular and oral healthy are related. In order to keep your heart strong, you should be focusing on your oral hygiene routine. Continue reading to learn about their connection.

How Are Heart and Dental Health Related?

Gum disease is an extremely common issue throughout the United States. Approximately half of Americans over the age of 30 are suffering from periodontal disease at one stage or another. This condition is an infection of the tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth. When it is left without treatment, it can progress and lead to serious, irreversible oral health issues. They include gum recession, loose teeth, tooth loss, and bone shrinkage.

Unfortunately, gum disease doesn’t only affect the oral cavity. It can cause other issues and is linked to heart disease. It isn’t exactly clear what the connection is between the two, but inflammation that results from periodontitis is a likely contributor. Heart disease is a blood vessel disorder that can lead to a heart attack when the blood flow becomes blocked. People who have gum disease are three times more likely to experience a heart attack, stroke, or another serious cardiovascular event.

How Can Gum Disease Be Prevented?

While gum disease it very common, it is also easily preventable. Here are some tips from your dentist in Georgetown to keep your gums healthy:

• Brushing twice a day: To remove plaque, food particles, and bacteria from the teeth, make sure that you are using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoridated toothpaste to brush twice daily.
• Floss daily: Brushing on its own isn’t enough. There are some areas of the mouth where your toothbrush can’t reach. You should be using floss to remove plaque and bacteria from between the teeth and beneath the gumline.
• Don’t smoke: Smoking doubles your risk of developing gum disease, and it is also linked to oral cancer. Talk to your doctor, friends, and family about the best ways that you can give it up.
• See your dentist: You should be seeing your dentist in Rowley every six months for regular checkups. If they notice any signs of gum disease, it can be treated early.
• Understand your risk: There are multiple factors that could put you at higher risk for developing gum disease, including age, genetics, and diet.

Your oral health is important for many reasons, and maintaining the health of your heart is just one of them. By searching for a “dentist near me” and keeping up a good dental hygiene routine, you could be prolonging your life!

About the Author

Dr. J. Peter St. Clair is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for more than 25 years. He earned his dental doctorate from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and has been a Faculty Club member at Spear Education since 1999. If you are struggling with gum disease, he would be happy to help. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (978) 948-2030.