Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Paying attention to your dental hygiene and health especially your gums may pay you back with more than a gleaming, healthy smile. It may keep your heart healthy too.
The notion that oral health has an effect on overall health is not a new one. Once put on the back burner, in recent years it is gaining in popularity once again.
The billions of bacteria and other microscopic critters that live in the mouth unquestionably influence the health of teeth and gums. Your mouth is prime real estate for your average bacteria. But do they also cause problems for the heart and blood vessels? And can improving oral health prevent cardiovascular problems?
These are questions that often arise and are still being explored today by scientists all over the world. Several species of bacteria that cause gum disease have been found in the plaque in arteries in the heart and elsewhere. This plaque could lead to a higher risk of a heart attack.
Our immune system’s response to these toxins could harm vessel walls or make blood clot more easily. It is also possible that inflammation in the mouth revs up inflammation throughout the body, including in the arteries, where it can lead to a heart attack.of oral bacteria may have weaker immune systems and an inadequate host inflammatory response. These factors may induce specific vascular effects which have previously been shown to contribute in the onset of certain forms of heart disease
While the direct correlation between gum disease and cardiovascular disease remains to be seen, it’s important to note that good oral health is important to overall health, and an oral hygiene regimen of daily brushing and flossing is always recommended.
Keeping teeth and gums healthy is important for your overall health. Routine dental cleaning and periodontal maintenance can prevent progression of gum disease that in turn can prevent the occurrence of cardiovascular disease and stroke. The mouth is the window to the body and many things that goes on in the mouth will affect a person’s overall health.
When gum disease is not treated and eliminated in its earliest stages, called gingivitis, it continues to spread deeper and causes destruction of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Because gum disease is a progressive infection that results in tooth loss, it is imperative to diagnose and treat aggressively to avoid its progression and to avoid affecting other parts of the body.
As the infection accelerates, bacteria enters the blood stream and accumulates in the arteries and can cause heart problems. While dental and heart health may be linked, there is a difference between plaque in your mouth and plaque in your arteries. If there is plaque or bacteria in the gums or around the teeth, although pretty harmless in the mouth, if they get into the blood stream, they can cause inflammation and plaque buildup in the arteries,
Overall health is key to healthy gums and teeth as well as heart health. Another reason to stay fit is that it will improve your periodontal health. Physical fitness has long been known to decrease heart disease risks, and it is now known that it also improves periodontal health too. Oral infections are capable of raising inflammation markers in the body which are red flags for heart disease.
Patients with chronic gum disease tend to possess the same bacteria in their mouths that also line the walls of their arteries. Keeping oral infections at bay not only reduces the risk of heart disease but improves their overall physical health as well. Individuals who experience particularly high levels of oral bacteria may have weaker immune systems and an inadequate host inflammatory response. These factors may induce specific vascular effects which have previously been shown to contribute in the onset of certain forms of heart disease.
Unquestionably, you already know that regular cleaning is essential. Daily brushing and flossing needs to be a priority. There is strong evidence of the correlation between oral health and overall health.
Talk to your Dentist about your oral health requirements. Frequent cleanings, oral exams, along with regular brushing and flossing are essential and may well assist you to manage risk of heart disease and stroke.
Tower Dental Arts is a state of the art dental facility that offers the very best in modern day cosmetic, restorative and preventative dental care for your entire family, utilizing the latest technology and safest materials and procedures available. Inform the Dentist if you have been diagnosed with any form of cardiovascular disease, have experienced any cardiovascular problems, or have a family history of cardiovascular disease. They need to be up to date on your medical history as they treat all your dental needs. As always prevention is the best approach to fighting gum disease as well as heart disease.
Tower Dental – Dr. Sonia Rocha
Naples: 239-566-9700
11121 Health Park Blvd.. Suite 200