February is all about hearts. Not only is Valentine’s Day this month, but it’s also Heart Health Awareness Month! It’s a great time to reflect on the health of your heart and take a closer look at your smile in the mirror. According to a growing body of recent research, more than 90% of systemic health conditions present symptoms in the mouth, including cardiovascular disease. Find out from your Carlisle dentist how taking care of your oral health is good for your smile as well as your heart.
The Connection Between Oral and Overall Health
Since the health of the rest of your body directly influences your mouth, your dentist may be the first to identify symptoms of a health condition you hadn’t noticed yet, like:
- Chronic bad breath and easily bleeding gums, which are often associated with diabetes.
- Loss of jawbone density, which could be the earliest stages of osteoporosis.
- Strange sores, lumps, or discolorations, which could be the earliest warning signs of several types of cancers.
Additionally, research indicates that your oral health has an impact on your overall wellbeing as well. Several studies show that those with poor oral health are 40% more likely to develop conditions like respiratory disease, memory loss, and rheumatoid arthritis.
The Link Between Gum Disease and Heart Disease
Recently, dental and health experts alike have begun to examine the relationship between healthy gums and a healthy heart. According to recent data, the presence of gum disease can increase a person’s risk of heart disease by up to 20%. Many believe that the two main culprits behind this connection are bacteria and inflammation. Theoretically, if the harmful bacteria that causes gum disease were to escape into the bloodstream, it could travel to the heart and infect its inner linings. Furthermore, if the body’s natural inflammatory response to gum disease were to spread throughout the body, the arteries could become clogged.
How to Keep Your Mouth and Your Heart Healthy
Even though more research is needed to fully understand this connection, both the American Dental Association and the American Heart Association agree that there is a connection between heart disease and gum disease. Experts recommend staying healthy with great oral hygiene habits like:
- Brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day.
- Using mouthwash and dental floss daily.
- Refraining from smoking or chewing tobacco.
- Seeing your dentist twice a year for regular checkups.
- Watching for symptoms of gum disease and talking to your dentist about your concerns.
About the Author
No matter how long it’s been since your last appointment or how often you brush your teeth at home, we encourage all our patients at Carlisle Family & Cosmetic Dentistry to come in for their dental checkups twice a year. That’s because Dr. Thomas Neslund wants to help you achieve better overall health alongside your healthier smile. To protect your heart as well as your smile, he offers effective gum disease treatment and efficient measures to prevent reinfection. If you’re concerned about gum disease, feel free to contact him via his website or at (717) 258-5455.