Because February is the month of love, it’s only fitting that it is also Heart Health Month. You may wonder how your teeth and gums fit into this equation, but it isn’t as far of a leap as you may think. Studies have found that oral health conditions are connected to heart issues. As your dental health deteriorates, your risk of heart disease and stroke begins to increase. Below, you will find out how your dental health is connected to your heart health.
Oral Health and Strokes
Arteries that are blocked and blood vessels that are busted or leaking are the usual cause of stroke. After studying the connection between oral infections and heart conditions, doctors have recently found oral bacteria within the fatty deposits of people with atherosclerosis. This disease results in the buildup of fats and cholesterol along the walls of arteries, restricting the flow of blood to the heart. The brain’s oxygen and blood supply are drastically reduced by this condition, which causes a stroke.
Oral Health and Heart Disease
Any damage to the gums can allow bacteria to enter your blood stream and cause inflammation that can go anywhere in the body, including the blood vessels in the heart. Streptococcus sanguis, a strain of bacteria found in gum disease, can travel through the blood stream and spread infection to the heart. If your gums are healthy, the lower your risk of heart disease. Oral bacteria have also been found to cause blood vessels to harden, which can lead to strokes and heart attacks.
Lowering Your Risk of Heart Issues
Periodontitis has four stages: gingivitis (the only reversible stage of gum disease), early periodontitis, moderate periodontitis and advanced periodontitis. The further this condition progresses, the higher your risk of heart disease, stroke. If your condition has gone beyond gingivitis, you may need a scaling treatment to remove any hardened plaque and bacteria from below your gum line.
Taking good care of your mouth is also taking care of your heart. So, make sure that brushing and flossing twice every day and visiting your dentist at least twice a year become part of your dental care routine. Following these steps will help keep your heart healthy and keep your smile beautiful.
About the Author
Dr. Christine Laster is fully committed to providing every patient with personalized, top-quality dental care in a comfortable environment. Dr. Laster received her graduated with honors from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Dentistry where she received the Diagnosis and Treatment Planning Award. If you’re ready to protect your heart and your mouth by getting your oral health back on track, contact the office at (919) 787-0355 or visit the website to schedule an appointment.