Do you think about flossing when you reflect on keeping your heart healthy? Probably not, but a growing body of research is beginning to suggest that we should. Countless studies have found that there’s an important link between a healthy smile and your overall wellbeing. Recently, experts have been investigating the compelling connection between gum disease and heart health. Read on as your Cambria dentist explains how great oral hygiene can benefit both your smile and your heart.
Connecting Oral and Overall Health
Your dentist is highly trained to spot any early warning signs of both oral and overall health concerns. Since more than 90% of systemic health issues present symptoms in your mouth, they may be the first to alert you to conditions like diabetes, osteoporosis, or cancer. Thankfully, early detection from your dentist allows for sooner treatment that’s more likely to be successful.
The health of your mouth appears to influence the rest of your body as well. Experts are finding that poor oral health may lead to respiratory disease, changes in facial structure, rheumatoid arthritis, and even pregnancy complications. Regular checkups with your dentist are an excellent way to keep up your oral health and prevent these issues from developing.
Linking Gum Disease to Heart Health
Gum disease is an incredibly common condition that is cited as the leading cause of tooth loss in the US. Unfortunately, it’s damaging effects don’t stop at your smile. Numerous recent studies are beginning to find that those with gum disease are up to 20% more likely to develop heart disease. Researchers believe that this may be the result of two main culprits:
- Harmful bacteria at the root of gum disease may escape into the blood stream. From there, it could potentially travel to the heart and infect the inner linings of its chambers and valves.
- Widespread inflammation caused by a prolonged immune response to gum disease could spread throughout the body and clog arteries.
Keeping Your Heart and Smile Healthy
While more research is needed to fully understand how gum disease influences heart disease, there is an undeniable connection between the two. Thankfully, preventing gum disease is as easy as:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes.
- Flossing all your teeth at least once a day.
- Seeing your dentist every six months for regular dental checkups.
Gum disease is an incredibly common oral health issue, but it isn’t inevitable. You can keep your smile happy and your heart healthy with great oral hygiene!
About the Author
Our talented team of dentists at Cambria Smiles in Cambria, CA is passionate about taking care of your whole mouth, not just your teeth. To keep your gums healthy and strong, they offer a variety of gum disease treatments that can quickly and effectively remove any harmful bacteria. However, they would much rather help you prevent developing gum disease in the first place with regular dental checkups! To learn more about gum disease, feel free to contact them via their website or at (805) 927-4811.