The Hidden Connection Between Your Oral and Heart Health

When you think of the month of February, one of the first things that may come to mind is Valentine’s Day, which is known for delicious chocolate delights. However, dentists around the country want you to broaden your focus to consider your oral health and its connection to your cardiovascular wellness, as February is Heart Health Awareness Month. As you continue reading, a dentist in Richardson explains the impact that your dental care can have on your heart and what you can do to protect yourself.

The Blood Factor

Your heart and oral health are connected through the blood. If untreated oral plaque is allowed to work its way beneath the gum line, it can lead to periodontal disease, which is the inflammation and irritation of the gum tissue. The plaque-filled blood that permeates your gums will eventually travel to other parts of your body. It can become quite problematic when it enters the arteries, as it can lead to a blockage. This can result in heart disease or even cardiac arrest.

How to Protect Yourself

The good news is that when you take steps to improve your dental health, you can see residual effects in your cardiovascular wellness. Here are some simple tips to implement:

• Make it a habit to brush and floss at least two times a day to remove debris from your mouth.
• Drink more water, as it can become an extension of your oral hygiene by helping to flush away lingering food particles.
• Since oral bacteria feed on sugar, set limits for how much you’ll consume. Being more conservative will help to control the growth of the microorganisms.
• If you notice any gum bleeding or other warning signs of gum disease, like chronic foul breath or sore gums, be sure to seek treatment.

In addition to making the above changes, don’t forget that you have an ally in your quest for excellent oral and heart health: your local dentist.

The Importance of Semi-Annual Visits

It’s recommended that you visit a dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings. For around an hour of your time, you’ll have the peace-of-mind of knowing the current condition of your teeth and gums, and that any plaque and tartar have been removed. Furthermore, if there are any issues discovered, you and the dentist can formulate a plan to treat it before it gets out-of-hand.

By being proactive about seeking care, and maintaining proper and consistent activities at home, you can look forward to having a healthier and happier life!

About the Author

Dr. Hamid Mirsepasi earned his dental degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey (now known as the Rutgers University Dental School). While he specializes in the placement of dental implants, dentures, crowns and bridges, Dr. Mirsepasi places the greatest emphasis on prevention as the most effective form of treatment for any condition. He provides top-notch care at HM Dentistry, and he can be reached for more information through his website.