Brushing and flossing your teeth mean more than just maintaining a nice smile. These dental hygiene techniques may help save your life! Studies suggest a link between your oral health and cardiovascular, or heart, disease. Heart disease is a leading cause of death in America, and many people are affected without even knowing it. So can those inexpensive, everyday dental tools on your bathroom counter actually help you lower your risk of heart disease?
How dental hygiene helps
Proper brushing gets rid of plaque buildup and harmful bacteria residing in your mouth. Daily flossing decreases the germs and plaque in between your teeth and in areas your toothbrush can’t reach. Performing these tasks well decreases your risks of gum disease, which is believed to be a link from your mouth to heart disease. People with gum disease are nearly twice as likely to have coronary artery disease then those with healthy gums. Gum disease patients have a higher risk of heart attack. Studies also suggest that heart disease may be linked to other mouth problems like cavities and missing teeth.
How your heart is impacted by your mouth
Bacteria from your mouth can get into your bloodstream through your gums. Experts theorize that the bacteria stays in the blood and contributes to blockages. Another possibility is that your body responds to the invading bacteria by becoming inflamed. As the bacteria goes through your body, the blood cells swell and narrow your arteries, leading to a higher risk of clots. Blood clots can block normal blood flow, and restrict nutrients and oxygen to your heart.
See your dentist
Heart disease can be difficult to catch in its early stages, because sometimes there are no symptoms. In many cases, patients aren’t seeing a heart specialist. That means regular visits to your dentist can be a great way to catch early warning signs of oral health problems that may be linked to heart problems.
If you live in the Central Falls, contact us today
