Take care of your teeth to take care of your heart
What if taking care of your teeth could help to take care of your heart?
Most of us brush our teeth every day but how often do we actually take a look at and examine our gums and take the time to see if our mouth appears healthy?
Healthy Gums for a Healthy Heart
Healthy gums are pale pink, sit tight to the teeth, fill the gap between the teeth and do not bleed when brushed or flossed.
There are good reasons to keep an eye on your gums and take the time to keep them healthy as bacteria under the gum line does not only affect the mouth.
More and more research studies show a connection between gum inflammation, tooth loss and increased risk of heart attacks.
Inflammation, Gum Disease and Heart Disease
If your gums are red, swollen or bleed when brushing, this is a sign of inflammation.
Inflammation in one part of your body will cause inflammation in other parts of your body – everything is interlinked.
If problems with your gums persist, you should see a dentist because once you get bacteria under the gum line, it is difficult to remove it by yourself.
Take Care of Your Teeth, Take Care of Your Heart
More and more research is confirming the connection between gum health, tooth loss and cardiovascular disease.
The risk of heart attack is 30 percent greater for patients who have periodontal (gum) disease, compared to those who don’t.
Also, the risk of having a cardiovascular event is greater for those who had already suffered one and who also have periodontal disease.
But how does lazy, poor or ineffective tooth brushing contribute to atherosclerosis and heart attacks?
How Gum Health and Heart Health Are Linked
Gum disease called periodontitis begins with an accumulation of bacteria at the gum line causing an inflammatory reaction in the gums.
The gums swell and detach from the tooth and supporting bone, trapping more bacteria under the gum line. And if that process is allowed to continue, jawbone and gum tissue begins to break down.
In cases of inflammation, small wounds on the inside of the gum pocket cause bacteria to leak into the bloodstream.
This leakage of inflammatory substances affects the atherosclerosis process in the blood vessels.
The plaque that builds up in the arteries is the same as the plaque that builds up on the teeth and under the gums.
Gum Disease and Chronic Inflammatory Diseases
More and more studies show a connection between periodontal disease and chronic inflammatory diseases, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and intestinal diseases.
Inflammation of the mouth is not the only cause of other diseases, but rather something that interacts with another ongoing chronic inflammation.
For patients with diabetes, treatments that reduce oral inflammation contribute to lower blood glucose levels.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is relatively uncommon before the age of 40 and as we are keeping more teeth as we age, this also means an increased load on the gums.
Risk Factors for Gum Disease
Two important risk factors for gum disease are smoking and genes.
However, the biggest risk factor is poor or inadequate oral hygiene.
Genetics can make you more prone to developing gum disease. But genes alone do not drive the development or progression of the disease.
In the vast majority of cases, thorough cleaning with a toothbrush and flossing is enough to keep the gums healthy.
The message is simple – take care of your gums and not only will you get to take care of your smile but the health of your heart and cardiovascular system too.
Taking Care of Your Teeth and Heart With Regular Dental Visits
Regular dental checks and hygiene care whereby we professionally remove plaque and tartar to prevent, treat and reduce the impacts of gum infection and gum inflammation are a must to help you improve and or maintain your gum health and thus take care of your heart.
Holistic Dentist Brisbane
To take care of your teeth and gums as well as your overall health book an appointment today 07 3720 1811 and let us take care of your gums and your health.
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Dr. Rachel Hall
Rachel is the founder and principal dentist at Evolve Dental Healing with over 30 years experience, practising holistically since 2001. Not your typical dentist, Rachel is a passionate opinion leader, challenging convention to empower people to make better dental and health choices, helping thousands to have healthy natural smiles. A respected writer and presenter on holistic dentistry, health and wellness it is Rachel’s mission to revolutionise the way people look at their dental health.
