February is here, and there is a reason other than Valentine’s Day to be thinking about your heart. The second month of the year is American Heart Health Month. Your smile has a lot more to do with your cardiovascular health than you may think, and there’s no better time to learn more about their relationship. Continue reading to learn more about how maintaining excellent oral health can help you to keep your heart strong.
How Are Dental and Heart Health Related?
Gum disease is a common issue that many Americans develop throughout their lives. Approximately half of adults over the age of 30 in the United States are suffering from gum disease at one stage or another. This is an infection of the tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth. When left untreated, irreversible issues, like gum recession, loose teeth, tooth loss, and jawbone deterioration, can occur.
Unfortunately, gum disease isn’t simply limited to the oral cavity. It is also linked to a wide array of health problems throughout the body, including diabetes and heart disease. It isn’t quite clear what the exact connection is between the two, but the inflammation that develops from late-stage gum disease is a likely contributor. People who are dealing with gum disease are three times more likely to experience a heart attack, stroke, or another serious cardiovascular event.
How Can You Prevent Gum Disease?
Gum disease is extremely common! Here are some simple ways to prevent it from occurring:
- Brush Twice Every Day: To remove plaque and bacteria from the surface of your teeth and along the gumline, you should be brushing twice each day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoridated toothpaste.
- Floss Daily: Brushing isn’t enough by itself. There are some areas of the mouth where your toothbrush can’t reach. That’s why it is so important to use dental floss every day to clear away plaque and bacteria from between the teeth and beneath the gumline.
- Don’t Use Tobacco Products: Smoking doubles your risk of developing gum disease, and it is also linked to oral cancer. Talk to your doctor, friends, and family about the best ways that you can give up smoking.
- Go to the Dentist: You should see your dentist every six months for a regular cleaning and checkup. They will be able to determine if you would benefit from gum disease therapy.
- Know Your Risk: There are many factors that contribute to your probability of developing gum disease. Keep your age, genetics, and diet in mind.
By taking the steps listed above, you can keep not just your smile healthy, but also boost your cardiovascular health!
About the Author
Dr. Natalie Ortiz is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for over two decades. She earned her dental doctorate from Creighton University School of Dentistry and is committed to continuing education to keep her clinical skills sharp. Currently, she is a proud member of the American Dental Association, New Mexico Dental Association, and Spear Education. For more ways to keep your gums healthy or to schedule an appointment at her office in Las Cruces, visit her website or call (575) 521-8720.