February 4, 2021

Keeping Your Heart Healthy Starts with Your Smile

Filed under: Uncategorized — charleswalker @ 8:14 pm
Heart

February is here, so you are probably preparing for a special night on the 14th. However, there is more than one reason to be thinking about your heart during this time of the year. This month is Heart Health Month. One way that you can maintain the health of your heart is by keeping up your dental health. They have more in common than you may think. Continue reading so you can learn more about how you can keep your cardiovascular health in check.

How Are Oral and Cardiovascular Health Related?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common issue that many Americans develop in their lives. In fact, approximately half of all adults in the United States who are over the age of thirty are affected by periodontal disease. This is an infection of the tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth. When it is left untreated, you could end up with irreversible issues, like gum recession, loose teeth, tooth loss, and bone shrinkage.

Many people don’t realize that gum disease is not limited to the oral cavity. In fact, people who are dealing with gum disease are most likely to experience other health issues, like diabetes and heart disease. It isn’t clear what the exact connection between periodontal disease and heart disease is, but it is known that a person with gum disease is three times more likely to experience a heart attack, stroke, or another serious cardiovascular event in the future.

How Can Gum Disease Be Prevented?

Gum disease is common, but it is also completely preventable. Here are some steps that you should be taking to keep your gums healthy:

  • Brush Twice Daily: To remove plaque, food debris, and bacteria from the surface of your teeth and above the gumline, you should be brushing twice each day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoridated toothpaste.
  • Floss Once Daily: On its own, brushing isn’t enough. There are some areas of the mouth where your toothbrush can’t reach. It is important to use dental floss every day to clear away plaque and bacteria from between the teeth and beneath the gumline.
  • Don’t Use Tobacco Products: Smoking doubles your risk of developing periodontal disease, and it is also linked to oral cancer. Talk to your doctor, friends, and family about the best ways that you can give up smoking for good.
  • Schedule Regular Dental Checkups: You should see your dentist every six months for a regular cleaning and checkup. They will be able to determine if you would benefit from periodontal therapy.
  • Know Your Risk: There are many factors that contribute to your probability of developing gum disease. Keep your age, genetics, and diet in mind.

Follow the tips listed above so you can prevent the onset of gum disease. By keeping your smile healthy, you can set your heart up for success!

About the Author

Dr. Charles Walker is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for over thirty years! He earned his dental doctorate from the University of California at San Francisco and has a PhD in Genetics from the University of California at Davis. Currently, he is a member of the American Dental Association and Utah Dental Association. For more information on keeping your gums healthy or to schedule an appointment at his office in Salt Lake City, visit his website or call (801) 467-6886.

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