February 21, 2016

Understanding the importance of regaining heart health, President Barack Obama designated February as American Heart Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control, heart disease is the number one killer in the United States, and preventing it starts with eating right and exercising. The health of your mouth has a direct link to the health of your heart, and preventing gum disease in Westchester, CA, through proper oral care is of the utmost importance.

What Is Gum Disease?

When you make a habit of not brushing or flossing regularly, a sticky substance called plaque coats your teeth, eventually edging its way below the gum line. This causes inflamed gums, or gingivitis, which allows more plaque to form in pockets created by the extra space as the gums pull up from each tooth. When gingivitis is left untreated, you may be diagnosed with periodontal or gum disease. Here are the signs you may have a gum problem:

  • Bad breath
  • Bleeding before or after flossing
  • Loose teeth
  • Receding gums

The longer and more frequently plaque is allowed to remain, the more opportunity it has to enter the bloodstream or be swallowed throughout the day. The bacteria cause fatty plaques to develop on artery walls, which helps lead to heart disease.

Flossing and Brushing

The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis. This can be reversed with regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings twice a year. To make the most of your daily routine, take a look at the recommended brushing and flossing techniques:

  • Brush for at least two minutes.
  • Reach all inner and outer sections of your upper and lower teeth.
  • Brush at a 45-degree angle, sweeping away from your gums.
  • Use back-and-forth movements on the chewing surface of your teeth.
  • Use 18 inches of nylon or PTFE floss.
  • Slowly and gently follow the shape of each tooth, reaching above the gum line.

Bi-Annual Appointment

Along with other healthy decisions, finish American Heart month with refreshed oral care habits to help prevent both gum and heart disease. Let us ensure your teeth are in great condition with an exam and cleaning every six months. Give Dr. Glenn Sperbeck a call today at (213) 986-9180 to schedule an appointment and fight gum disease in Westchester, CA.

Comments

comments

Related Articles

  • 5 Signs You Need to See Your Dentist

    Most people only think about going to the dentist when they see their six-month check-up on the calendar. However, you may not want to wait until your next appointment if you experience concerning symptoms related to your gums and teeth. As Dr. Kaz Zymantas, a Naperville, IL dentist from Premier Dental often tells patients, dental […]

  • What Are the Different Types of Tooth Pain?

    Have you ever over-exercised and strained yourself a bit? You might feel some dull aches in your hamstrings or biceps. However, if you actually tear a muscle, the discomfort will be more intense and indicative of something that requires a physician. In the same way, tooth pain is not a one-size-fits-all term. Naperville, IL dentist […]

  • Improve Your Mouth, Improve Yourself

    Dr. Kaz Zymantas and our team at Premier Dental want to help people all over the Naperville, IL area improve themselves during national “Self Improvement Month!” And one of the best ways to give your self-esteem and entire body a boost is through a regular dental visit! Dentistry can help improve the look and function […]

  • How to Handle Dental Emergencies

    Most people know how to respond to a bodily injury like a soft tissue cut or broken bone. But do you know how to handle a dental emergency? Depending on the situation, you can reduce the risk of damage or tooth loss if you take action. Learn from Dr. Kaz Zymantas, our dentist, on how […]

  • What Are Space Maintainers?

    Baby teeth are important for many reasons. They provide your children with the ability to chew and speak properly, which is essential for healthy bodies and self-esteem. They also hold the space for permanent teeth, so that when they erupt, there is room for them to grow in. When baby teeth are lost prematurely, it […]

  • Tips for Maintaining Healthy Teeth

    Your teeth are more important than you might realize. A beautiful, healthy smile not only helps you look younger, it helps you feel better. With healthy teeth, you can eat an unrestricted diet and get the nutrients you need. Your teeth also stimulate your jaw bone, staving off osteoporosis. Dr. Kaz Zyantas stresses the importance […]

  • Quiz: All About Wisdom Teeth

    How much do you know about wisdom teeth? Even though everyone has them, there is a surprising amount of misinformation, especially surrounding their maintenance and extraction. As a dentist who removes wisdom teeth, in Naperville, IL, Dr. Kaz Zymantas frequently dispels myths about these “third molars”. Take our quiz to find out if you are […]

  • Children’s Root Canals

    Even baby teeth can become infected. When the core of your child’s tooth is diseased or injured, the entire tooth does not need to be extracted. Dr. Carolyn B. Cromwell recommends pulpotomy for her Avon, OH, patients. A pulpotomy is a treatment, like a root canal, which saves the tooth but removes the infection and […]

  • The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment

    You may have always heard that orthodontic appointments don’t need to start until your child is old enough for braces. But did you know that early orthodontic visits (and treatments) can make the entire process smoother and more effective? It has to do with the growth and development of children’s jaws and baby teeth. Catching […]

  • The Risks of Living With Gum Disease

     Gum disease is an oral health issue that plagues around half of the adult population of the United States. Even if you are meticulous about your home oral hygiene, you are still at risk for developing gum disease. While Dr. Ann Mineo Kania and the staff at the office of Ann Mineo Kania, DDS, DMSc […]

Dental Consulting By Progressive Dental