Dr. Rief Talks About Links Between Gum Disease & Heart Disease

IF YOU’RE LIKE OUR OTHER PATIENTS HERE AT CROSSROADS DENTAL ARTS,you likely want to take the very best care of your heart, right? Of course you do! Did you know that your lowly toothbrush could rank right up there with your gym membership in keeping your heart healthy? It’s true! According to Dr. Rief, “There are a number of recent studies that suggest gum disease—and perhaps other oral health issues—may be DIRECTLY related to problems with your heart.”

A recent AAP (American Academy of Periodontology) study reported that people who have periodontal disease are nearly twice as likely to also have heart disease. Another study found that common oral health problems, including cavities, missing teeth, gingivitis, etc. may be as good at predicting heart disease as are bad cholesterol levels! Now that’s surprising!

There is certainly a LOT MORE research to be done about these connections, but the evidence seems to be mounting all the time. Dr. Rief adds, “We know bacteria in your mouth can enter your bloodstream through your gums. These same bacteria have been found clumped in artery plaques. A theory that’s gaining more acceptance is that they stick to the fatty plaques in your bloodstream, which may directly contribute to blockages.”

There are other theories that revolve around your body’s defenses against bacteria, including the natural response of inflammation. Oral bacteria traveling through your bloodstream can cause blood cells to swell, which can lead to artery narrowing and clot risks.

These EXACT relationships between cardiovascular and periodontal disease are still unclear, but research continues to conclude that there’s definitely a connection. Now DON’T ignore all of the other things you can do to keep your heart healthy, while just focusing on brushing! Keep eating healthy foods, exercise regularly, and take care of risk factors like diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.

And, when it’s SO EASY to clear up any periodontal disease problems WITH DR. RIEF AND HER ENTIRE TEAM’S HELP… Be sure to do that too! It makes good common sense! And don’t forget that PREVENTION goes a long way in preventing problems in the future.

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We look forward to the next time we see you. Thanks.

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