February is American Heart Month, so make sure that your pearly whites are bright, clean, and plaque-free.
Why? Because your oral health affects more than just your mouth.
At Heroes Dental, we work harder than any other dentist in McAllen to bring you that perfect smile. This means your heart can also reap benefits of a healthy mouth and clean teeth. How? Well, let’s consider the facts.
Feb. is #HeartHealthMonth and your mouth and teeth play a role! #HealthyMouth #HealthyHeart Click To TweetWhat is Considered a Healthy Mouth?
One of the best indicators of great oral health and hygiene is in the gums. If the gums are swollen and red, that may be an indicator of gum disease like gingivitis.
Gingivitis occurs when plaque build-up—a colorless film of bacteria—releases toxins that seep into your gum line. This toxin irritates the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. Daily brushing and flossing removes plaque buildup and stops the release of these toxins.
Gingivitis can also cause your gums to bleed when you brush. If left untreated, gingivitis can become periodontitis, and your teeth and jaw can become permanently damaged. Severe cases of periodontitis also bring a high possibility of tooth loss.
The good news is that gingivitis is a reversible condition. If you haven’t developed it, you can nip gingivitis in the bud by:
- Eating a proper diet to ensure nutrition for your jaw and teeth (sodas and foods and drinks that contain a lot of acids and sugars hurt the enamel and structural integrity of your teeth, causing cavities and eventually bone loss).
- Avoiding cigarettes and tobacco products.
- Scheduling regular check-ups with your dentist at Heroes Dental.
Gum disease is often left undiagnosed, and, according to the National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research, it affects 80 percent of all Americans. Don’t become another statistic. Practice proper oral hygiene.
@NIDCR It’s estimated that nearly 80% of all Americans are affected by gum disease #DontBeAStat Click To TweetHow Your Oral Health Affects Your Cardiovascular Health.
When you think about it, your cardiovascular health is affected by a lot of things:
- Genetics
- Age
- Lifestyle
- Exercise
- Diet
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Diabetes<
At the age of 45, males carry an 11 percent lifetime risk of a heart attack compared with a 3 percent risk in women the same age.
Oral health, of course, can be added to that list as well. It may seem hard to believe, but when it comes to your overall state of health, your mouth can tell you a lot.
- It can indicate if you are deficient in vitamins and minerals.
- It can indicate when you have an infection.
- It can even indicate when you are stressed.
- It also can indicate signs of diabetes and osteoporosis.
According to recent research from Mayo Clinic and the American Heart Association, gum disease has a direct connection with heart disease and stroke, with the bacteria that makes up plaque the main culprit. This bacteria can enter your bloodstream, and if it reaches a damaged portion of your heart, it can latch on to it, causing inflammation. This condition is known as an endocarditis. Other cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis—or clogged arteries—and stroke have also been linked to that same oral bacteria inflammation.
In short, practicing good oral hygiene can eliminate bad bacteria. Keep your smile sparkling white and your heart will thank you for it.
Heroes Dental Routine Teeth-Cleaning Services Can Help Keep Plaque Away From Your Gums and Your Heart.
Preventing heart disease is a lifelong commitment you make to your entire body, and that includes your mouth too. Strengthen that commitment you made with yourself, and come by or call any one of our Heroes Dental family dentistry locations near you.