February is the time to celebrate American Heart Month! This time of the year is dedicated to learning about the best ways to care for your heart and why this is important. Though you may not think that your smile has anything to do with your heart, did you know that poor oral health can increase your risk of developing cardiovascular disease? Keep reading to learn how to keep your smile healthy and your heart safe from harm.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It can be caused by poor oral hygiene habits, such as not brushing your teeth twice per day or not flossing regularly.
Gum disease is preventable, but it is estimated that 47% of adults ages 30 and older and 70% of adults 65 and older have some form of gum disease. Some of the common signs that you have developed gum disease include:
- Tooth loss
- Inflammation
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Gums that are red or bleed easily
- Gums that pull away from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Changes in the way teeth fit together when you bite down
How Gum Disease Can Harm Your Heart
As previously mentioned, inflammation is one of the common signs of gum disease. Inflammation is the body’s response to infection, injury, or other damage. When it’s short-term, this can help your body heal the damage. But, when it becomes long-term, this can lead to health problems.
Chronic inflammation can result in atherosclerosis, which is characterized by the hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis can lead to several heart-health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. People with gum disease are also at a three times higher risk of having a major cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke.
4 Ways to Prevent Gum Disease
As previously mentioned, it’s relatively easy to avoid gum disease. Some of the ways that you can prevent yourself from developing this condition include:
- Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time
- Floss at least once a day
- See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings
- Avoid smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products
- Eat a healthy diet of lean meats, fish, nuts, fresh fruits and veggies, and dairy products
About the Practice
Dr. Ramon M. Ortiz, Dr. Natalie J. Ortiz, and the skilled team at Painted Skies Dental Center are committed to helping their Las Cruces patients keep their smiles healthy and beautiful. They offer a wide range of exceptional treatment options, including preventive checkups and cleanings so your dentist can catch oral health problems early on and administer the care you need. For help setting up a consultation or to learn more about their cosmetic dental services, contact Painted Skies Dental Center’s office at (575) 521-8720 or visit their website.