February is mainly known for being the month of romance due to Valentine’s Day, but it’s also the time when Heart Health Month is recognized by general practitioners and dentists alike. What many don’t realize, however, is oral health can have an impact on the health of your cardiovascular system. As a result, more and more dentists are stressing the importance of the mouth/heart connection. To learn more about their relationship and what you can do to perfect your oral care this February, keep reading!
How Oral Health Could Impact Your Heart
According to studies completed by experts in cardiovascular science, there is an increasingly notable connection between the health of the mouth and its impact on the heart. For example, research has shown that those with gum disease, an infection of the gum tissue, can put you at two to three times greater risk of experiencing a heart-related event. This includes heart attacks and strokes.
Experts believe that one of the potential reasons poor oral habits could impact heart health is the presence of bacteria within the bloodstream. This can lead to infections of specific areas of the heart, such as the heart valves and other structures, preventing blood from moving to places where it’s needed.
More research must be done to better understand this connection, but the potential risk is causing dentists to change their professional approach and recommendations for patients. It only further proves why routine checkups are essential to positive oral health and whole-body wellness.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Smile?
Plaque buildup is the leading cause of gum disease, which means it must be removed daily to protect your smile. By keeping the following tips in mind, you’ll not only reduce your risk dramatically, but potentially do favors for your heart health along the way:
- Brush for at least two minutes twice a day
- Floss at least once a day, making sure to not snap the floss from between your teeth
- Visit a dentist once every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning to confirm your oral hygiene is adequate
- Discontinue use of all tobacco products, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and vaporizers
It’s helpful to pay close attention to other potential risk factors for gum disease. Avoid eating foods high in sugar or starch when possible. If you are over 65 or your family has a history of gum disease, pay extra close attention to your oral hygiene as well.
This Valentine’s Day, give your smile and your heart the same attention you’d give your special someone! After all, gum disease is largely preventable when you have the right tips in mind.
About the Author
Dr. Byars has been practicing in Kansas City for nearly 15 years and is highly dedicated to helping patients prevent dental disease and protect their whole-body wellness. While his preventive periodontal screenings and cleanings can help catch and prevent gum disease in the earliest stages, he offers deep cleanings, pocket depth reduction, bone/tissue regeneration, soft tissue grafts and more to help those in need of professional gum therapy. To schedule an appointment, you can contact him through his website.