Your smile is essential to your quality of life. Not only does it influence your self-esteem and your outlook on life, but also your ability to perform simple tasks, like chewing, speaking, and even yawning. Believe it or not, your smile also affects your heart health. There is direct evidence linking gum disease to cardiovascular complications, including heart attack and stroke. You can protect your heart health by committing to your oral hygiene.
Gum Disease & Your Heart Health
Besides tooth decay, gum (periodontal) disease is the biggest threat to your dental health. It’s caused by bacteria found in plaque and tartar buildup from poor oral hygiene habits. It infects the gum tissue, destroying the supporting structures of the teeth if it’s not treated quickly. Over time, your teeth may loosen and fall out. While you can avoid the infection, it’s the leading cause of tooth loss.
Unfortunately, the complications of gum disease don’t stop at your smile. The bacteria can also enter your bloodstream through the pressure of chewing. As it circulates throughout your body, it causes inflammation. The chronic long-term inflammation narrows your arteries. This increases your risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.
Protecting Your Heart Health
Although gum disease is preventable, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates at least 50% of Americans have it. There are several things you can do to keep the infection at bay, so your smile and heart stay healthy, such as:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day for 2-minutes each session.
- Use a high-quality dental floss to clean in between each tooth.
- Limit your consumption of sugar.
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco.
- Don’t drink alcohol in excess.
- Visit your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup.
Don’t Wait to See Your Dentist
Even with the best prevention, your gums can become inflamed. Don’t wait to contact your dentist at the first sign of gum disease, such as:
- Red, inflamed gums
- Bleeding gums
- Gum recession
- Chronic bad breath
- Pus pockets near the roots
- Tooth sensitivity
- Loose teeth
Your dentist can quickly treat the infection with scaling and root planing. The deep cleaning treatment removes the harmful buildup and smooths your roots to allow your gums to reattach to your teeth. When treated early, you won’t have any lasting damage to your smile.
If you have signs of gum disease, don’t put your mouth or heart at risk. Contact your dentist for periodontal therapy.
About MoreSMILES Dental Spa
MoreSMILES Dental Spa is passionate about our patients. Our diverse team of dentists provides comprehensive services to help you reach your dental goals. We combine our experience with the latest advancements in dentistry to offer modern services to treat even the most complex issues. By understanding the mouth and body connection, we can help you reach optimal wellness. If you have gum disease, don’t wait. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation for periodontal therapy.