The month of February might be all about planning the perfect date for the person who stole your heart. But did you know it’s also the perfect time to start caring for your actual heart too? That’s right, February is Heart Health Month. You might think that eating vegetables and exercising are the best ways to ensure excellent cardiovascular health, but did you know that brushing and flossing can also help? That’s because if you get gum disease and need periodontal therapy in Norman, you might be at a higher risk for heart disease. Keep reading to learn about the connection between gum disease and your heart.
What Is Gum Disease?
When you neglect to brush, floss, or attend your regular dental cleanings, plaque builds up along the gumline and hardens into tartar. Bacteria in tartar then attack your delicate gum tissue as well as the bones that support your teeth and keep them firmly anchored in place. Left unchecked, this infection can quickly spread throughout the mouth. However, symptoms are usually so mild that many people don’t even notice them. These include red or tender gums and bleeding when brushing or flossing.
Does Gum Disease Affect Your Heart?
Anything that has access to your mouth can eventually reach the rest of your body. As a result, most oral infections can spread to other areas if they’re not treated in a timely manner. Bacteria from your mouth can enter the pockets in your gums that gum disease creates and travel through your bloodstream to reach your heart. There, they can set off a chain reaction of inflammation that increases your risk of cardiovascular problems. This is why it’s crucial that gum disease gets addressed as soon as possible, or even prevented altogether.
How Can You Prevent Gum Disease?
When it comes to oral health problems like gum disease, an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure. Follow these steps to keep gum disease at bay:
- Floss every day to prevent plaque from accumulating along your gumline
- Brush twice daily with a fluoridated toothpaste
- If you smoke or chew tobacco, strongly consider quitting
- Cut down on the number of sugary foods and beverages you consume
- See your dentist twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings
While working out and eating right are great ways to maintain cardiovascular health, keeping your oral health under control is just as important. If you notice any symptoms like bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or sensitive teeth, be sure to let your dentist know right away!
About the Author
Dr. Bobby Carmen is a skilled dentist in Norman, OK with an impressive number of achievements under his belt, such as a Mastership of the Academy of General Dentistry and Fellowships with the International Congress of Oral Implantology and the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation. He is also certified to use laser dentistry to treat gum disease as painlessly as possible. If you think you might have or be at risk for gum disease, visit Dr. Carmen’s website.