February is American Heart Month, a time dedicated to concentrating on cardiovascular health. While you may know that eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep are all good for your heart, so is taking care of your smile. To understand how, read on to learn about the link between oral and cardiovascular health as well as what you can do to keep both your mouth and your heart healthy.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the gums that usually results from poor oral hygiene. Nearly half of adults in the U.S. over age 30 have some form of gum disease. Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, is easy to cure and even reverse. If it progresses into a more severe infection called periodontitis, you may experience receding gums, tooth loss, or jawbone erosion.
The Link Between Gum Disease & Your Heart
Gum disease may start in the mouth, but it isn’t limited to the oral cavity. Untreated gum disease can do damage to other parts of the body, including the heart. According to an article by Harvard Health Publishing, people with gum disease are two to three times more likely than those without it to have a stroke, heart attack, or another major cardiovascular event.
The same article also says that if acute inflammation develops into chronic inflammation, this can contribute to several health problems, including atherosclerosis. This medical condition is characterized by thickening or hardening of the arteries, which is caused by a plaque buildup. This limits the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the organs and other parts of the body and can lead to a heart attack, stroke, or even death.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
Gum disease is incredibly common, but it’s also easy to prevent. A few ways to lessen your chances of developing gum disease include:
- Brush and floss – Brush your teeth when you wake up in the morning to get rid of bacteria that accumulated overnight. Clean your teeth again before you go to bed, and floss to remove food and plaque from between your teeth. This will lessen your chances of developing cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
- Say no to tobacco – Smokers are twice as likely to develop gum disease as nonsmokers, so speak with your dentist, doctor, or therapist for resources to help you quit.
- Visit the dentist – Visit your dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups. this will lessen your chances of developing gum disease and allow your dentist to keep an eye out for any signs that it may be developing. If it is, they can administer prompt treatment before it gets bad enough to harm your heart.
By maintaining good oral health, attending biannual dental checkups, and cutting out bad habits, you can lessen your chances of developing gum disease. This way, you’ll be able to keep both your smile and your heart happy and healthy!
About the Practice
Marvel Dental offers patients exceptional oral health services like checkups and cleanings to prevent gum disease. During your checkups, they will thoroughly clean and examine your mouth to make sure there aren’t any oral health issues that need addressing so your heart and smile remain as healthy as possible. If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment with Marvel Dental or want more information on how the health of your smile affects your heart, call (817) 933-3883 or visit their website.