Keeping Your Heart Healthy Means Maintaining Excellent Oral Health

When you first think about the month of February, your mind probably goes straight to Valentine’s Day. However, there is another reason to think about your heart during this romantic time. February is also Heart Health Month. This is the perfect time for you to learn more about how the different systems in your body are related so you can stay healthy. One important step that you should be taking in order to keep your cardiovascular health in excellent shape is to maintain great oral hygiene. The two are related more than you may think. Continue reading to learn more about the connection.

How Are Oral and Cardiovascular Health Related?

Did you know that approximately half of Americans who are 30 years of age or older are dealing with periodontal disease at some severity? This is an infection of the tissue that is surrounding the teeth. When it is left to progress, it can lead to some serious issues that are not reversible. They include gum recession, loose teeth, tooth loss, and bone loss.

Heart disease is a blood vessel disorder that can lead to a heart attack whenever the blood flow is blocked. The connection is that people who have gum disease are three times as likely to experience a heart attack, stroke, or another serious cardiovascular event. It isn’t completely clear what the relationship is between periodontal and heart health, but it the inflammation that results from periodontitis is a contributor.

In What Ways Can You Prevent Periodontal Disease?

As you already know, gum disease is very common. The good news is that it is easy to prevent. Be sure that you are doing the following:

• Brushing Twice a Day: You need to brush twice daily in order to remove plaque, food particles, and bacteria from the teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoridated toothpaste/
• Floss Daily: Brushing on its own isn’t enough. You need to be using dental floss in order to remove plaque and bacteria from between the teeth and beneath the gumline.
• Don’t Smoke: Smoking doubles your risk of developing periodontal disease. It is also linked to oral cancer. Talk to your doctor, friends, and family about the best ways that you can quit for good.
• See Your Dentist: You should be seeing your dentist every six months for regular cleanings and checkups. This way, if they notice any sign of periodontal disease, it can be treated with gum disease therapy before it becomes too serious.
• Know What Your Risk Is: There are multiple factors that could put you at higher risk for periodontal disease. They include age, genetics, and diet. Discuss any concerns you have with your dentist.

Keeping your heart healthy is just one of the many reasons why you need to maintain excellent oral hygiene. By doing so, you may even be saving your life!

About the Author

At Orange Place Family Dentistry, you have two experienced dentists providing quality care to patients in the Beachwood, OH area. Both Dr. Jed M. Koops and Dr. Jerome L. Faist earned their Doctor of Dental Medicine degrees at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH. Currently, they are both members of the American Dental Association, Ohio Dental Association, and Greater Cleveland Dental Society. To learn more about preventive dentistry or to schedule an appointment at their office, visit their website or call (216) 464-2448.