How A Healthy Smile Encourages a Healthy Heart

February is American Heart Month! This time of the year is dedicated to learning about the best ways to care for your heart. Though it may come as a surprise, having an unhealthy smile can have a negative impact on your cardiovascular health. So you know the risks associated with not taking good care of your beam, continue reading to learn how gum disease can leave to problems with your heart.

What Is Gum Disease?

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is an infection that can damage the soft tissue around your teeth. Though preventable, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that 47% of adults ages 30 years and older and 70% of adults 65 years and older have some form of periodontal disease.

Gum disease begins with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If you don’t brush twice and floss at least once daily, plaque can harden into tartar. Over time, this can cause an infection to form in the gums. Some common symptoms of gum disease include:

• Changes in the way teeth fit together when you bite down
• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
• Gums that pull away from the teeth
• Gums that are red or bleeding
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Inflammation
• Loose teeth
• Tooth loss

How Gum Disease Can Harm Your Heart

Gum disease and heart disease are linked because of inflammation. Acute inflammation, which is the body’s response to injury, infection, or sudden damage, helps the body heal short term. But if the inflammation becomes chronic, this may lead to thickening or hardening of the arteries. This is called atherosclerosis and can lead to heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.

Additionally, people who have gum disease are at a higher risk of suffering from heart disease. They are also up to three times as likely to have a major cardiovascular event, like a heart attack or stroke.

4 Ways to Prevent Gum Disease

As common as gum disease is, it’s easy enough to avoid. Here are some tips on how to prevent gum disease:

• Brush your teeth – Do so twice a day for two minutes each time.
• Floss daily – This will remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth.
• Use a mouthwash – This will help get rid of bacteria you missed when brushing and flossing.
• See your dentist regularly – Biannual checkups and cleanings will allow your dentist to keep an eye on the health of your smile as well as remove buildups of plaque and tartar.

About the Practice

Care 32 Dental of Grand Prairie gives patients in the DFW area the exceptional, effective, and personalized care they deserve. They administer a range of treatment options, including gum disease therapy. They can also give you advice on how to prevent this condition from developing again so both your heart and your smile remain in good condition. Call Care 32 Dental of Grand Prairie at (469) 346-8828 or visit their website if you want more information on their services or to set up an appointment.