February 21, 2016

This February is American Heart Month, a great time to evaluate not just your heart but your overall health. Your systemic health and even oral hygiene can affect the condition of your heart in a few surprising ways.

Scientific Studies

In 2012, the American Heart Association published a statement linking heart disease to periodontitis, and a number of studies support this conclusion. Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround the tooth, which can lead to inflammation and swelling. Heart disease, on the other hand, is inflammation and narrowing of the arteries that surround the heart, and it can lead to heart attacks and stroke. The two have been strongly correlated.

Cause and Effect

There are a number of reasons why the two conditions might be linked. It is entirely possible that the inflammation, infection, and bacteria that appear in unhealthy gums can spread through the bloodstream to the heart, since the gums have a large number of blood vessels in them. It is also possible that causation works in the other direction, and that inflammation in the heart can spread to the gums.

Related Factors

Another distinct possibility is that heart and gum disease are linked to a third, distinct condition. The inflammation might come from another source and cause both problems; it is also worth noting that both heart disease and periodontitis have been linked to risk factors such as old age, smoking, and diabetes.

Better Health

If you are trying to take better care of your heart this February, you can help your mouth out at the same time. By giving up cigarettes and alcohol, you can improve both your cardiovascular and oral health. You can also improve your systemic health by cutting back on sugar, which can help you lose weight and avoid tooth decay. Finally, although it has not been proven that brushing and flossing more often can improve your heart health, it certainly won’t hurt you!

To learn more about how oral hygiene can affect your overall health, set up a meeting with Dr. Michael Schroer today. Call (757) 645-9565 for an appointment.

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