How the Care of Your Teeth and Gums Can Impact Your Heart

February 25, 2020

Filed under: Uncategorized — houstondentist @ 10:42 pm

young woman in grey dress making heart symbol with handsIf you’re looking for some motivation to step-up your dental care, then consider this; it could actually play a huge role in your heart health. Thus, practicing consistent and proper oral hygiene is more than just a way to maintain clean teeth. As you continue reading, a dentist in Montrose goes in-depth to explain the connection between your oral and heart health, so that you can take the appropriate actions to protect yourself, starting today!

Oral and Heart Health – How They’re Connected

One of the reasons that all the different parts of the body are connected is they are permeated by the same blood. Thus, if there is a problem in one area, the symptoms can be experienced elsewhere.

When it comes to your dental health, oral bacteria accumulation can spell trouble. While the microorganisms are always present in your mouth, they can grow in abundance when there is leftover sugar from any foods or beverages you’ve consumed. Over time, hundreds of different types can mix with your saliva to form plaque, which is a sticky substance that clings to your teeth and can eventually seep beneath the gum line to cause periodontal (gum) disease.

How Oral Plaque Can Affect Your Heart

The inflamed and plaque-filled blood that travels from your heart can lead to big problems as it circulates throughout the rest of your body. When plaque makes its way to the arteries, which are responsible for oxygenating your cells, it can cause a blockage. This can become life-threatening, as it can contribute to heart disease or cardiac arrest.

Ways to Protect Yourself

One of the advantages of the fluidity of your overall wellness is that when you make improvements in your oral health, the results can be experienced elsewhere. Here are some simple steps you can take:

  • Brush and floss at least two times a day to keep oral bacteria at bay.
  • Drink at least a glass of water after each meal to help rid your mouth of any leftover debris.
  • Since oral bacteria feed on sugar, monitor your consumption to control the growth of the microorganisms.
  • If you notice any gum bleeding or other warning signs of gum disease, like chronic foul breath or sore gums, be sure to seek treatment.

February is Heart Health Awareness Month, so it’s the perfect time to pay your local dentist a visit to catch any developing problems earlier and rid your mouth of harmful plaque and tartar. That way, you can enjoy excellent oral and heart health for years to come!

About the Author

Dr. Holly Boone earned her dental degree from the University of Florida. A member of several professional organizations, which includes the Academy of General Dentistry and the Texas Dental Association, she takes a careful and compassionate approach to providing care so that her patients can enjoy the absolute best in dental health. Dr. Boone practices at Tamborello Dental Associates, and she can be reached for more information through her website.

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