Millions of Americans are currently at risk for heart disease. You might think such health issues would mainly affect older adults, but thanks to higher rates of obesity and raised blood pressure, even younger adults (particularly those between the ages of 35 to 63) are being threatened by potentially life-threatening heart problems. Since February is American Heart Month in Carrollton, it’s a good opportunity to become more familiar with the factors that can endanger your heart health – and surprisingly enough, that may very well include your smile! Learn more about the connection your oral health has to your cardiovascular health.
Linking Oral Health with Gum Disease
A review articles in the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology examined various studies and found that people with gum disease had a 20% higher risk of suffering from heart disease. It’s widely thought that the bacteria in a gum infection can enter the blood stream and cause inflammation in important arteries, thus making heart attacks and other issues more likely. Right now, it is not clear that gum disease is a direct cause of heart disease, nor is there evidence that treating oral health issues can directly prevent a heart problem; however, the American Dental Association and American Heart Association have acknowledged the relationship between the conditions. In any case, good oral health is generally associated with good overall health.
What Can You Do to Keep Your Gums Healthy?
If you want to protect your heart, keeping your teeth and gums free of decay and infection could make a difference. Don’t forget to brush at least twice every day to remove the harmful substances that can lead to gum disease and other oral health issues. Pay attention to the gum line; some people overlook this area, which can easily lead to plaque buildup. Equally important is flossing on a daily basis, since there are many parts of the tooth’s surface that you won’t be able to reach with your toothbrush. Keep your regular appointments with the dentist so that they can make sure that you’re keeping your gums clean and healthy. In the event that you do end up suffering from heart disease in Carrollton, get in touch with your dentist right away to schedule a deep cleaning.
How Else Can You Protect Your Heart?
In addition to maintaining good oral health issues, you can keep the chances of suffering from a heart problem to a minimum by taking the following steps:
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking can do extensive damage to your blood vessels. Either give up cigarettes or never start using them in the first place.
- Take Control of Your Health: If you have high blood pressure, cholesterol, or other heart-threatening conditions, get in touch with your doctor to learn how to manage them.
- Exercise: Physical activity is good for your cardiovascular health, so try to get about 150 minutes of exercise each week.
Whether you’re trying to prevent gum disease, protect your heart health, or both, the key is to be proactive. Even if you haven’t noticed any troublesome symptoms, you can save yourself a lot of trouble in the long run by making sure that you always take good care of your smile – as well as the rest of your body!
About the Author
Dr. Moji Chandy has practiced dentistry for over 12 years. She attends numerous classes, symposiums, and seminars so that she can keep up with the latest trends in dentistry. When performing a deep cleaning to treat gum disease, Dr. Chandy will always take the time to listen to and understand her patients in order to take care of their individual needs. To schedule an appointment at her practice, Aegis Dental, visit her website or call (972) 492-6700.