February is American Heart Month, which makes now a good time to learn about the many factors that could have an impact on your cardiovascular health. You might be surprised to learn that one of said factors is the well-being of your smile! Poor oral health can end up causing problems for your heart in the long run; below is a closer look at this connection as well as some of the steps you can take to protect your smile.
Oral Health and Your Heart
Failing to practice good oral hygiene can result in plaque and tartar buildup, which can ultimately lead to gum disease. This all-too-common oral health issue often starts mildly, but if it’s left unaddressed, it can have severe consequences, such as tooth loss.
Research has found that untreated gum disease can significantly increase an individual’s risk of developing heart problems. Gum disease often causes gum tissue to bleed, which can give harmful oral bacteria an opportunity to enter the bloodstream. This can lead to a condition called atherosclerosis, which is when plaque builds up on the walls of the arteries. When the plaque hardens, it can narrow the arteries, which in turn makes heart attacks more likely to occur.
Taking Care of Your Smile to Protect Your Heart
Researchers have yet to confirm a direct causal link between gum disease and heart problems. Nevertheless, taking care of your smile is an important step for maintaining good overall health. By preventing gum disease or having it treated as quickly as possible, you may be able to lower your risk for cardiovascular issues.
To keep your gums in good condition, you should brush thoroughly twice a day and floss daily. When brushing, be sure to pay close attention to the area where the teeth meet the gums. In addition to practicing excellent oral hygiene, you should also make a point of visiting your dentist twice a year; they can clean the areas of your smile that you might have overlooked, and they can check for signs of gum disease that you might not have noticed on your own.
If you end up developing gum disease despite your best efforts, you should take steps to have it treated as soon as possible. Early forms of gum disease can sometimes be reversed with improved oral hygiene habits. More advanced cases might require scaling and root planing, which involves thoroughly removing any plaque and tartar that has built up around and beneath the gums.
The impact that your oral health can have on the rest of your body shouldn’t be ignored. If you’re worried about your heart health, then it may be worth looking for ways to improve the care that you give your smile on a daily basis.
About the Author
Dr. Barry Miller studied dentistry at The Ohio State University. He has completed numerous hours of continuing education, and as a result he has experience with many different aspects of general dentistry. His current practice, Northwest Family Dental of Marysville, offers a wide menu of dental services that includes routine preventive care and personalized options for gum disease treatment. If you’re worried about the health of your gums or your mouth as a whole, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Miller by visiting his website or calling (937) 642-3434.