Most likely, the first things that come to mind when you think about heart disease are things like excessive cholesterol, a bad diet, or inactivity. However, did you know that the quality of your teeth may also significantly impact your heart’s health? You might be surprised to learn that there is a direct correlation between heart and oral health. In this piece, we’ll examine the intriguing connection between heart and dental health and demonstrate how maintaining teeth might help your heart function better.
We at Kitchener Dentist Sherwood Dental are committed to your whole health, which includes informing you of the often surprising ways that your oral health affects your daily life. Now, let’s get started!
Knowing the Link Between Oral and Systemic Health
What is the Oral-Systemic Connection?
The association between general health and oral health is known as the “oral-systemic connection.” Researchers have found that oral bacteria can enter the circulation and impact several body components, including the heart. Many studies have been conducted on this relationship, and the data shows that oral health is important for preserving your whole body and keeping your smile looking great.
How Do Bacteria Travel from Mouth to Heart?
Millions of microorganisms, both healthy and dangerous, live in your mouth. Dangerous bacteria can penetrate your gums and enter your bloodstream when you have gum disease. These bacteria can enter the bloodstream and then go to the heart, which can induce inflammation and play a significant role in developing heart disease. For this reason, illnesses like severe gum disease or periodontitis are regarded as risk factors for cardiac issues, such as heart attacks and strokes.
The Role of Inflammation
The Significance of Inflammation
Your body naturally reacts to an illness or injury by producing inflammation, but persistent inflammation can be dangerous. Regarding dental health, gum disease-related inflammation can constrict significant arteries, raising the chance of developing heart disease. The bacteria in your mouth can create inflammation in the inner lining of your blood vessels and contribute to disorders like atherosclerosis or the hardening of the arteries when they reach your heart.
Heart Disease and Gum Disease: The Connection
Research has indicated that the risk of developing coronary artery disease is about twice as high in individuals with gum disease as in those without it. The inflammation of the oral bacteria that enter the arteries creates links between the two. This inflammation may cause blood clots to form, obstructing the heart’s blood supply and raising the risk of a heart attack.
Taking Initiative: Safeguarding Your Smile and Heart
Now that you know the link between heart disease and dental health, what steps can you take to safeguard yourself? The good news is that you’re already significantly contributing to heart health protection by caring for your oral health. Here’s how to do it:
- Brush and Floss Daily: Brushing and flossing twice a day aid in the removal of bacteria and plaque that cause gum disease. Use fluoride toothpaste and brush for a minimum of two minutes.
- Schedule Regular Dental Checkups: With routine dental checkups, your dentist can identify early indications of gum disease and treat it before it worsens. Professional cleanings are necessary to eliminate the plaque that daily brushing might cause.
- Give Up Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of heart disease and gum disease. Giving up smoking will improve your general and oral health.
- Keep Up a Healthy Diet: Eating a well-balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in sugar promotes heart and oral health. Antioxidant- and vitamin-rich foods can help lower inflammation levels in your body.
- Control Stress: Excessive stress can raise the risk of heart disease and cause poor dental hygiene. Developing stress management skills, such as exercising or practicing relaxation techniques, can improve your general health.
- Know Your Risk Factors: Recognize the specific risk factors that you carry for heart disease and gum disease. Diabetes and other illnesses raise your chance of gum disease, which can raise your risk of heart disease.
Why Frequent Dental Checkups Are Important
Regular visits to Kitchener Dentist Sherwood Dental are important for more than simply maintaining the health of your teeth; they also protect your heart. Our staff is qualified to recognize the first indications of gum disease and to give you the care you require to maintain the health of your heart and smile.
The Bottom Line
The link between heart disease and dental health is a potent reminder that maintaining good oral hygiene goes beyond appearance. It’s essential to preserving general health and well-being. By practicing good dental hygiene, you can lower your risk of heart disease and help prevent gum disease.
Keep in mind that your oral health provides insight into your general health. Thus, take action now to safeguard your heart by caring for your teeth. Don’t delay. Make an appointment right now with Kitchener Dentist Sherwood Dental. Our well-informed and amiable staff is here to assist you in achieving heart and smile health. To schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact us at 519-576-2170.
Your smile is the first step towards taking control of your health!
DISCLAIMER: The advice offered is intended to be informational only and generic in nature. It is in no way offering a definitive diagnosis or specific treatment recommendations for your particular situation. Any advice offered is no substitute for proper evaluation and care by a qualified dentist.
