Does Your Oral Health Put Your Heart at Risk?

Our dentists and generous team not only care about your oral health but we also care about your overall wellness. Your total wellness includes your heart health. Many people do not realize that there is a close connection between your mouth and heart.

Major research from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that heart disease is the number one life threatening illness.  Heart disease and gum disease are inflammatory diseases. This may explain why heart disease and gum disease can occur at the same time.

Periodontal disease (gum) is caused by a build up of plaque, which inflames the tissue in your gum. The build up of plaque forms pockets of harmful bacteria that settles into your gums and can eventually settle into your bloodstream. The mouth is a direct passageway to your body’s bloodstream. The bacterium that causes gum disease has been discovered in heart arteries. Gum disease is strong enough to thicken and attack the carotid arteries in your heart. When you are treated for gum disease at your dentist, it reduces inflammation in your gums and also decreases inflammation throughout your whole body, lowering risk of heart complications.

With your oral health care, preventive care is the greatest care.
When you take steps to prevent an oral disease, you are also decreasing your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Avoiding periodontal disease benefits you and your overall wellness. To do this simply:
• Brush your teeth twice daily
• Floss regularly
• Rinse with an anti-bacterial mouthwash
• Schedule routine check ups

Schedule dental visits twice a year for an exam and a professional cleaning.
To schedule an appointment, please give us a call!

Phone: (410) 363-2121  URL of Map