Connecting Heart Health and Oral Health
It’s National Heart Health Month! Did you know that oral health can be directly linked to heart health? Delta Dental has recently provided evidence that gum disease in both moderate and advanced stages puts you at a greater risk for developing heart disease than you be with healthy gums. Regular oral screenings can also help point doctors to a variety of other diseases that may start with warning signs in your mouth.
How Does Your Oral Health Connect to Your Heart?
Every system in your body is connected. Just like consuming food through your mouth makes its way to your stomach, any bacteria or germs that start off in your mouth can fairly easily be spread throughout the rest of your body through your blood stream. Mayo Clinic and the American Heart Association have been able to show that this bacteria can actually attach itself to any already damaged areas when it gets to your heart. The attached bacteria can then lead to further inflammation, which has been linked to clogged arteries and even strokes.
Are You At Risk?
People who suffer from chronic gum diseases like gingivitis or advanced periodontitis are at the highest risk for developing heart disease as a direct cause of poor oral health and dental hygiene. It is important to know that plaque buildup from skipping just one brushing or flossing session a week can easily add up to create issues with your gums.
Common Symptoms and Warning Signs
- Red or swollen gums
- Soreness and discomfort in your gums
- Excessive bleeding when your floss or brush your teeth
- Newfound misalignment or the feeling of teeth moving away from each other
- Receding gum lines
How To Prevent Heart and Oral Diseases
Keeping up with your regular cleanings and examinations here at Gaston Dental Associates is extremely important in protecting yourself against harmful bacteria and diseases. Call our front desk today at 704-396-6166 to schedule your next appointment with us! If you have any concerns surrounding your oral health, and gum diseases especially, be sure to talk to one of our dentist and explain all of your symptoms.
Read this article by Tracey Sandilands, published for Colgate, to learn more about how your heart and mouth are related and what you should do to prevent disease from growing.