How
Visiting the Dentist May Save Your Life
February is designated American Heart
Month, which makes it a perfect time to discuss how oral health and heart
health are connected. This may come as a surprise to many, as heart health and
dental health don’t seem to be immediately related. On the contrary, taking
care of your dental health could be a major key toward maintaining a healthy
heart.
Periodontitis, the inflammation of the
gums, has been shown in studies to be an indicator of current or future heart
disease. The studies have shown that the inflammation and plaque buildup in
gums can indicate the same issues present in the heart. So while periodontitis
is bad for your dental health, it also could be indicative of poor heart
health. Heart disease is a manageable disease if caught in time, and your
dentist can ensure that happens.
Research
One study investigating the
connection between oral and heart health found that people with periodontitis
are almost twice as likely to have heart disease. The cause is widespread
inflammation and bacteria in the system. The most accepted theory to explain
how this occurs involves bacteria entering the bloodstream through small,
inflamed abrasions in the gums, subsequently traveling through the
cardiovascular system. The bacteria present throughout the body will then cause damaging inflammation, the body’s natural
response to foreign bodies.
Professional Care Is Necessary
If visiting your dentist on a regular
basis wasn’t a priority before, it should be now. Daily brushing and flossing
is the best maintenance plan for your mouth, but this alone isn’t enough. Your
dentist has the tools and expertise needed for long-term oral health which will
lead to better overall health. A dental exam can identify plaque buildup,
unusual spots or sores and also reveal information about your overall health.
Heroes Don’t Always Wear Capes
Visiting the dentist can help save your
life. If periodontal disease is found by your oral professional, they will
recommend a thorough exam from your primary care physician. Symptoms that
otherwise may have gone undetected will be found early and can begin to be
treated. Regular visits to your dentist will also ensure you are receiving
regular check-ups for oral cancer
screenings. Dental health is often overlooked as less important than other
aspects of our overall health. Clearly, that isn’t true. Maintaining your
dental health is not that hard when you form the proper habits. With proper
daily care and regular visits to the dentist, you can enhance your dental
health and protect your overall health at the same time. When you think about
maintaining a healthy lifestyle, think about dental providers, not just primary
care physicians.
