Your dental health is a crucial part of your overall health, and although the connections may not seem immediately obvious, they do exist. Your risk of developing certain health conditions is higher if you have gum disease, for example. And some chronic conditions increase your risk of developing gum disease.
One connection the providers at Century City Smiles and Orthodontics highlight is between oral hygiene and heart health. Cardiovascular disease is incredibly common and dangerous; it’s also far more common in people who have gum disease. Researchers are still exploring the relationship between the two conditions, but it’s clear they are associated.
The medical name for gum disease is periodontitis or periodontal disease. About half of all adults in the United States have at least mild to moderate periodontitis.
The condition, which is a serious infection, damages the soft tissue around your teeth. It’s the number one cause of tooth loss because your gums get loose around your teeth. Additionally, bacteria flourish.
When your gums don’t create an effective seal around your teeth, bacteria can get under them. Eventually, the infection can reach your bloodstream, which is dangerous for your heart.
Periodontal disease also causes inflammation. Puffy, swollen gums that are tender and may bleed when you brush them are a main symptom of the disease. Researchers believe that this chronic inflammation increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Risk factors that can be changed are called “modifiable,” and gum disease is most likely one way you can lower your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Excellent oral hygiene consists of three main factors: brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings.
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, for about two minutes each time. Use a soft brush that won’t damage your enamel, and be sure that you’re thorough.
Flossing is essential to good oral hygiene. No matter how thoroughly you brush, you can’t get between your teeth with a brush. Whether you use string floss, tape, or an interdental brush, removing plaque from between your teeth once a day is critical to protecting your health.
Similarly, no matter how well you brush and floss, you can’t get your teeth as clean as a professional can. Along with a daily at-home oral hygiene routine, you should get professional cleanings regularly.
We recommend at least two visits per year, and more if you have periodontal disease. If it’s time for you to get your teeth professionally cleaned, or you’d like to discuss how you can protect your heart by taking care of your teeth, schedule a visit to Century City Smiles and Orthodontics today.
