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Studies have shown that people with moderate or advanced gum disease have a greater prevalence of cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, than patients without gum disease, gingivitis or early periodontitis. The health of your mouth mirrors the condition of your body as a whole. When your mouth is healthy, chances are your overall health is good as well. On the other hand, if you have poor oral health, you may have other health problems. Regular visits can tell your dentist a lot about your overall health, including whether or not you may be developing a disease like diabetes or heart disease. The Relationship Between Gum Disease and Your Heart Gum disease affects approximately 80 percent of American Adults, with signs including bleeding or swollen gums, bad breath, sores in the mouth and receding gums, among other symptoms. You can prevent plaque build-up and minimize your chance for developing gum disease by brushing, flossing and visiting your dentist regularly. If you have heart disease:
• Establish and maintain a healthy mouth.
• Make sure your dentist knows you have a heart problem.
• Carefully follow your dentist's instructions about health care. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, your mouth is the pathway to the body, and people who have chronic gum disease are at a higher risk for heart attack and heart disease. Gum disease is caused by plaque build-up and when bacteria from infected gums dislodge, they can enter the bloodstream, attach to blood vessels and increase clot formation. Clots decrease the blood flow to the heart, thereby causing an elevation in blood pressure and increasing the risk of a heart attack. Eat Appropriately and Protect Your Heart Research has shown that each of our 32 teeth provides yet another reason to watch what we eat. Adequate nutrition is vital in disease prevention and preventative dentistry. The quality and consistency of foods, and the combinations in which they are eaten can affect the likelihood of tooth decay. Ongoing research has indicated that antioxidants and other nutrients found in fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts may strengthen immunity and improve the body's ability to fight bacteria and inflammation, all of which can help protect the teeth and gums. Some dietary selections and habits can even have distinct effects on your mouth's ability to hand cavity-causing bacterial attacks. Seeing your dentist in Waunakee regularly helps to keep your mouth healthy and allows your dentist to watch for developments that might point to other health issues. A dental exam can also detect poor nutrition and hygiene, growth and development problems, and improper jaw alignment. Provide your dentist with a complete medical history and inform them of any recent health developments, even if they seem unrelated to your oral health. Protect your mouth and you can potentially protect your overall health, especially your heart.
Sean Hartmen writes for premier Waunakee cosmetic dentists, Drs. Stanley Karls and Matthew Karls. A father-son practice, Karls Family Dentistry has been serving Waunakee since 1970. Waunakee natives, Dr. Matthew Karls and Dr. Stanley Karls are committed to providing the best in quality dental care for patients of all ages.
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