A Look at the Link Between Heart Health & Oral Health

With Valentine’s Day and American Heart Month in February – it really is the month of love! Since heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, there’s truly no time like the present to learn how you can keep your heart healthy. One of the best things you can do? Focus on your dental care regimen! To learn why, read on.

The Link Between Heart Health & Oral Health

The link between heart health and oral health has been proven with several ongoing studies. The first step in better understanding how one affects the other is learning how periodontal disease works. This condition (which roughly 50% of American adults struggle with) is an infection that can lead to everything from bleeding gums to tooth loss. If left alone to progress, the bacteria can spread through your bloodstream to your major organs, including your heart. So, it’s not hard to see why people with gum disease are 2-3x more likely to experience a cardiovascular event, like a heart attack or stroke.

How to Keep Your Oral Health in Tip-Top Shape

While gum disease is a prevalent oral health condition, it’s important to remember that it is largely preventable. So, with the right best practices in place, you can keep your oral health in tip-top shape both now and decades from now. If you’re unsure where to start, here are some good dental care habits to help:

• Brush your teeth each morning and evening (or after each meal)
• Floss and rinse with mouthwash daily
• Visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning
• Eat plenty of vitamin-rich foods, like fruits and vegetables
• Quit unhealthy dental habits, like using tobacco products

Why Your Biannual Visits to the Dentist Are So Important

Even the most thorough oral hygiene routine is incomplete without routine dental checkups and cleanings. There are a few reasons for this. First, the tools at your dentist’s office are superior to the ones you have at home since they can effectively remove plaque and tartar buildup. Furthermore, the examination portion of these appointments allows your dentist to periodically scan for cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and other conditions. If needed, they can also intervene in the early stages, protecting your oral and overall health in the process. Simply put, if it’s been more than six months since your last checkup and cleaning, now is the time to schedule your next one!

About the Practice

Our talented team at Bear Creek Family Dentistry is here to help you with all of your dental needs, from routine dental checkups to gum disease therapy. That way, you can turn to the same familiar faces at the same convenient location time and time again. If you would like to learn more about how to prevent gum disease or you’d simply like to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call the location that’s closest to you!