Why Good Oral Health is Important for Protecting Your Heart

Since February is American Heart Month, now is the perfect opportunity to think about any changes you can make to protect your cardiovascular health. One step you might want to consider is taking better care of your smile. That might seem odd on the surface, but the fact of the matter is that certain oral health issues are linked to a higher risk for heart problems. Here’s what you need to know about the connection between your heart and your smile.

How Gum Disease Can Affect Your Heart

Gum disease is an extremely common oral health issue that affects nearly half of all adults in the United States. It is often the consequence of poor oral hygiene, and it is characterized by inflammation of the gum tissue. It tends to cause relatively mild symptoms early on, but it can eventually cause you to lose your permanent teeth if it isn’t treated in time.

So what does this have to do with your heart health? Studies show that people with gum disease are more likely to experience heart attacks and other cardiovascular issues. While a direct causal relationship has yet to be established, it is widely believed that the bacteria responsible for gum disease can enter your bloodstream and cause problems in the rest of the body. This could ultimately lead to narrowed arteries or even a dangerous heart infection known as endocarditis.

What Can You Do to Protect Your Smile?

If you don’t want to have to worry about gum disease increasing your risk for a life-threatening heart problem, then you need to make good oral hygiene one of your top priorities. Make a point of brushing at least two times every day, and don’t forget to give your gumline the same attention as the rest of your smile. Also, it’s a good idea to start flossing daily if you don’t already; flossing can go a long way toward minimizing your risk for gum disease by removing any plaque and food particles that are hiding between the teeth.

In addition to taking good care of your smile at home, you should also see your dentist at least twice a year for routine checkups and cleanings. These visits are often your best opportunity to have gum disease and other oral health issues caught while they’re in their early stages, which can make them easier to treat.

Do you want to keep your risk for heart problems as low as possible? If so, then you should focus on taking care of your teeth and gums. A healthy smile can ultimately help promote a healthy body!

About the Practice

At Vollo Dental Group, our dentists provide fully personalized treatment plans to help patients in Rochester improve the health of their smiles. You can count on us to do whatever we can to fulfill your unique dental needs. We’re proud to offer a comprehensive menu of services that includes preventive checkups and cleanings as well as customized gum disease treatments. If it has been a while since your last dental checkup, you can schedule an appointment at our office by visiting our website or calling (585) 225-9114.