How Can My Smile Help My Heart Health?

When thinking about February, Valentine’s Day is probably the first thing that comes to mind. However, you have more than one reason to be thinking about hearts. It is American Heart Month in Federal Way, after all. There is no better time to learn more about how the condition of your smile and heart are related. To maintain excellent cardiovascular health, you need to consider your oral health as well. Continue reading to learn more about their relationship from your dentist.

What’s the Connection Between My Oral Health and Heart?

Did you know half of Americans over age 30 have gum disease at one level of severity or another? This is an infection of the tissue that surrounds the teeth. When it is left without periodontal disease treatment, you could end up with some serious, irreversible issues. They include gum recession, loose teeth, tooth loss, and bone shrinkage.

Heart disease is a blood vessel disorder that can lead to a heart attack if the blood flow is blocked. People who are suffering from periodontal disease are three times more likely to experience a heart attack, stroke, or another serious cardiovascular event. It isn’t exactly clear to doctors yet what the specific relationship between the two is, but inflammation that results from periodontitis is a likely contributor.

How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?

Gum disease is incredibly common, but it is also easily preventable. Here are some ways that you can keep your gums in healthy shape:

• Don’t Use Tobacco Products: Smoking doubles your risk of developing gum disease and is linked to oral cancer. Talk to your doctor, friends, and family about the best ways that you can quit for good.
• Visit Your Dentist: You should be seeing your dentist twice a year for checkups. If needed, your dentist can provide treatment for gum disease in Federal Way early on before any damage is done.
• Understand Your Risk: There are multiple factors that could put you at higher risk for developing gum disease, including age, genetics, and diet.
• Brushing Twice Daily: You should brush your teeth twice daily to remove plaque, food particles, and bacteria. Make sure that you are using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste.
• Floss Every Day: Brushing on its own isn’t enough because there are some areas of the mouth where your toothbrush cannot reach. Use dental floss to remove plaque and bacteria from between the teeth and beneath the gumline.

Maintaining good cardiovascular health is just one of the many reasons why oral health is important. By keeping up a good dental hygiene routine and seeing your dentist during American Heart Month in Federal Way and the rest of the year, you could even be saving your life!

About the Author

Dr. Drew Beaty has been working hard for the smiles of his patients for more than two decades. Earning his dental doctorate from Northwestern University, he is extensively trained in sedation dentistry and has completed all nine levels of postgraduate education at the prestigious Kois Center for Dental Excellence in Seattle. Dr. Beaty can help your oral health and your heart with a dental cleaning and exam, plus he offers treatment for gum disease in Federal Way. You can schedule an appointment on his website or by calling (253) 839-6544.