You have heard that oral health is important, but do you truly know why? Maintaining your teeth and gums is vital because it prevents cavities, but also because there is an intricate relationship between dental health and heart disease. At Boise Family Dental Care, we are passionate about the oral health of our patients and work to emphasize the importance of heart disease awareness and preventive care actions.
How Gum Disease Can Affect Heart Health
It is true that individuals with gum disease have a higher risk of heart disease, but how closely are these conditions related? Discover the connection between gum disease and heart disease and the common myths surrounding them.
The Correlation Between Gum Disease and Heart Disease
While gum disease can influence heart disease, they are not directly correlated. In other words, not everyone with gum disease develops heart disease, and those who develop heart disease don’t necessarily have gum disease first. Other shared risk factors for the two diseases, such as smoking or an unhealthy diet, can also be at play.
However, the two can be related in some cases, as the inflammatory nature of gum disease can burden the body by causing disruptions in the immune system. Chronic inflammation can then lead to more serious complications — heart disease included.
How Oral Bacteria Plays a Role
Oral bacteria can cause plaque buildup on teeth, contributing to gum disease. If left untreated, this same bacteria can enter the bloodstream and develop inflammation in your arteries. Because of this correlation, someone with gum disease can have a higher risk of heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.
Recognizing the Signs of Tooth Infections Going to the Heart
Signs of gum infection can include swollen gums, easy bleeding, pus, bad breath and loose teeth. It is important to seek dental assistance at this point, but it is even more urgent if you experience signs that the infection has spread past your gums, such as:
- Increase in heart rate
- Fever
- Face swelling
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- Dizziness
Preventive Dentistry Strategies to Reduce Heart Disease Risk
The correlation between gum disease and heart disease leads many dentists and doctors to emphasize the importance of preventive dentistry. Some ways you can take proactive actions for your teeth and heart include:
1. Flossing Consistently
Flossing is a quick and effortless way to take control of your oral and heart health right now. While you may be brushing every morning and night, only using a toothbrush for your oral care routine can cause plaque and bacteria buildup between your teeth, which can make its way up to the gums. Flossing grabs that plaque and removes it from between your teeth, helping to prevent gum disease and heart diseases such as endocarditis.
2. Scheduling Regular Dental Checkups
For a more detailed plan of action against gum disease, attend checkups every six months with a dentist. Everyone can benefit from this habit — especially heart disease patients. Annual dental check-ups include a thorough cleaning and inspection to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. If some complication is found, your dentist will set another appointment to treat it immediately.
Schedule Your Heart-Healthy Dental Check-Up With Boise Family Dental Care
At Boise Family Dental Care, we are passionate about giving our patients treatments to support their oral and heart health. This patient-centric approach to dental wellness includes a customized treatment plan that fits your unique needs. We can even provide same-day crowns to stop teeth erosion and prevent gum disease at the root.
When you come through our doors, you are family. Schedule your dental check-up with us today and start taking control of your oral health and preventive measures for heart disease. We look forward to helping you achieve your health goals!
