There is more reason to think about your heart this February than just Valentine’s Day. This month is American Heart Health Month. It is important to take time to learn and understand more about your body so that you know how to take care of it. After all, your whole life depends on the wellbeing of your heart. Did you know that the health of your smile can affect your cardiovascular system? Continue reading to learn the relation between the two as well as some steps that you can take to keep both of them in excellent shape.
How Is Oral Health and Cardiovascular Health Related?
Did you know that approximately half of Americans over the age of 30 are dealing with some stage of periodontal disease? The issue is that there is a connection between this condition and heart disease. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection of the tissue surrounding the teeth. If left to progress, it can lead to irreversible gum recession, loose teeth, and tooth loss.
Heart disease is a blood vessel disorder that can lead to a heart attack when the blood flow is blocked. People who have gum disease are two to three times more likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or another cardiovascular event. While the exact nature of the relationship between the two are unclear, inflammation caused by gum disease can contribute to the process.
How Do You Prevent Periodontal Disease?
Here are some steps you can take to prevent gum disease from occurring:
- Brush Twice a Day: You should be brushing your teeth twice daily in order to remove plaque from the surface of the teeth and above the gumline. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoridated toothpaste for two minutes each time.
- Floss Daily: Brushing isn’t enough on its own. You should be flossing at least once a day in order to remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria from between the teeth and beneath the gumline.
- See Your Dentist: You should see your dentist twice a year for regular cleanings and checkups. If they spot any sign of gum disease, it can be treated early on before becoming serious.
- Don’t Smoke: Using tobacco products doubles your risk for developing periodontal disease and is linked to oral cancer. Talk to your doctor, friends, and family about the best ways for you to quit.
- Understand Your Risk: Many things play a role when it comes to your risk for gum disease, so you should be aware of yours. Keep things like age, genetics, and diet in mind.
Remember that having a healthy smile helps to keep your heart in good shape. By taking steps every day to prevent periodontal disease, you can even save your life.
About the Author
At Jupiter Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry, you have not just one, but two dentists providing quality care to their patients in Jupiter, FL. Dr. Shane Vaughn and Dr. Amiee Vaughn earned their Doctor of Dental Medicine degrees from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. They are both members of multiple professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. For more ways to prevent periodontal disease or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (561) 747-7172.