Valentine’s Day reminds you to take a moment to show the special people in your life that you care about them. It’s also a great time to show some love to your cardiovascular system, as February is American Heart Health Month. With heart disease being the leading cause of death in the United States, this is the perfect time to become better educated. As you continue reading, discover what your heart and gum health have in common and how your dentist can be of help.
The Connection Between Gum Disease & Heart Health
Oral bacteria are always present in the mouth. When you eat or drink, the microorganisms feed on any leftover particles. If they are allowed to linger, hundreds of different types form plaque, releasing caustic fluids that eventually deteriorate the teeth and gums.
When ignored, plaque buildup causes gum inflammation (gingivitis), the first stage of gum disease. The increased plaque buildup associated with the condition can eventually migrate to other parts of the body, including the heart. Suddenly, the stakes become much higher, as plaque can clog the arteries and contribute to cardiac arrest and heart disease.
What Dentists Want You to Know
Thankfully, there are steps you can take to protect your dental and heart health. Start with the following:
- Brush your teeth correctly – It’s recommended that you brush your teeth for at least two minutes each session to ensure that you remove harmful debris and bacteria. For maximum protection, brush after each meal.
- Don’t skip out on flossing – If you don’t currently floss, incorporating this into your daily regimen will make a great deal of difference in your dental and heart health. That’s because floss allows you to clean the tight spaces between your teeth where plaque is known to hide.
- Eliminate tobacco usage – Unfortunately, nothing good comes out of using tobacco. Whether chewed or smoked, it releases harmful toxins in the mouth that encourage bacteria growth that can directly impact dental and heart health.
- Know your risks – Your age, diet and genetics can factor into your susceptibility to developing gum disease. The more forthcoming you are with your dentist about your family history and current health condition, the greater assistance he or she can offer.
- Visit your dentist – To see the maximum benefits, you should be visiting your dentist in Millersville every six months. However, if you are prone to cavities or you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, it’s a good idea to visit every 90 days.
By committing to the best dental care habits and receiving gum disease treatment in Millersville in the month of February, you can look forward to improved dental and heart health. This translates into a better quality of life and heightened functionality.
About the Author
Dr. Vy Tran is a graduate of the University of Maryland at Baltimore. An avid learner, she has received postgraduate education from the renowned Pankey Institute, which included advanced training in Next Level Endodontics. Dr. Tran offers preventive and restorative gum care at Transcendent Smiles, and she can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through her website.