Why Good Oral Care Means More Than Reducing the Likelihood of Cavities
February 21, 2016
According to the latest National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 92 percent of adults between 20 to 64 years old have cavities, both treated and untreated. Because this may include you, you may have been overly focused on brushing twice and flossing once per day to avoid the extra trip to the dentist for cavity fillings. However, cavities, while always good to avoid, are not the only reason to keep up oral care habits. February is now American Heart Month, and gum disease in Cincinnati, OH, has something to do with it.
The Plaque Buildup
When you skip that second brushing often or only floss every few weeks (or months), plaque builds up over your teeth and under the gum line, eventually causing gingivitis. Untreated, it becomes periodontal disease. Symptoms include the following:
- Swelling and receding gum line
- New gaps between teeth or loose teeth
- Persistent bad breath and/or bad taste
- Pus
The Heart-Unhealthy Bacteria
One way heart disease occurs is when the toxins released by the bacteria in plaque form fatty plaques or deposits along artery walls or cause the liver to release proteins that inflame blood vessels. In either case, there is a direct link between poor oral care and heart disease that your gums do not want you to ignore.
What You Can Do About It
No matter where you are on the spectrum, we want to get you back on track. If you just need to get onto a good brushing and flossing schedule, take the month of February to make it a habit. If your gums have already progressed into gingivitis or periodontal disease, make sure you do not miss your dental appointments—or schedule them now for more aggressive treatment.
We are ready to help you improve your gum health and prevent gum disease in Cincinnati, OH. Call Dr. Scott Silverstein and Dr. Matthew Parker at (513) 334-5997 to schedule an appointment today.