Did you know that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 50% of Americans have some form of gum disease? That means that 64.7 million American adults can expect to experience inflamed gums, excessive bleeding, bad breath, and painful cavities.
However, gum disease can affect other vital areas of your body, including your heart. Here is everything you need to know about the correlation between gum disease and heart health.
What Does the Research Say?
According to the American Academy of Periodontology, there is no getting around it- gum disease is associated with heart disease. However, the relationship between the two conditions has not yet been proven to be a direct cause-and-effect. Instead, experts have found that gum disease is linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
How Does Gum Disease Impact Your Heart Health?
Those who have been diagnosed with gum disease are no stranger to inflammation, bleeding, and bone loss. According to researchers, the bacteria from these side effects can find their way into the arteries that lead directly to the heart. From there, they can form small blood clots and restrict the blood flow.
How To Prevent Gum Disease and Protect Your Heart
With such serious health implications, it is important to take preventive measures to lower your risk of gum disease. Here are a few best practices to follow:
- Brush consistently – Brushing for two to three minutes twice a day can help keep your teeth strong and your gums healthy.
- Floss daily – Flossing cleans out the areas that your toothbrush can’t reach. Make sure to gently clean between each tooth, especially in your back molars.
- Don’t forget your tongue – All too often the tongue is completely overlooked. However, millions of bacteria can live on your tongue, which is constantly touching your teeth and gums. Taking the extra time to clean your tongue, the roof of your mouth, and the inside of your cheeks can help prevent gum disease.
- Implement a healthy diet – A healthy diet will provide your body with all of the vitamins, nutrients, and minerals it needs to function optimally. A proper diet will also help your body fight off infection better, which is especially important when it comes to the health of your gums.
- Regular check-ups – In short, there is no substitution for a professional check-up and cleaning. Your dentist has tools that can remove any plaque build-up and deeply clean your teeth in a way that you can’t at home.
With 50% of Americans diagnosed with gum disease, it is of the utmost importance to make your oral hygiene routine a priority. Through prevention and best practices, you’ll be able to have a healthy smile and heart without worry!
About the Author
With nearly three decades of experience in the field combined with a lifetime of watching his father practice dentistry, it’s not hard to see why Dr. Arakelian is an expert dentist. Over the years, he has focused on creating a comfortable environment with a friendly team and state-of-the-art care. Dr. Arakelian and his team can be reached at his website or by phone at 978-373-0901.
