3 Benefits of Dental Bridges
Bridgework offers the chance to replace missing teeth with a natural-looking and durable fixed device. If you haven’t given dental bridges close consideration, now might be the time to take a look at today’s options.
The Link Between Gum Disease and Heart Health: What You Need to Know
Your heart is an essential part of your overall health and wellness, and heart disease remains a leading cause of death among both women and men. February is American Heart Month, a perfect time to focus on your heart health and strive for improvement.
Many residents of Midtown Manhattan, New York, are unaware of the link between heart health and oral health. But a growing body of research underscores the interconnectivity between the two.
Cheng H. Tai, DDS, is here today to explore the ways your oral health can impact your heart health and to provide some tips on how you can take care of both.
Why would your oral health have anything to do with your heart?
At first glance, there doesn’t seem to be a direct connection between oral health and heart health. But when you consider the structures within the human mouth, it begins to make more sense.
Your mouth is lined with gum tissue, which keeps your teeth in position. But your gums perform a much more important job by creating a barrier between the environment within your mouth and your bloodstream.
The human mouth is constantly teeming with a diverse mix of bacteria. Some of these germs are essential to digestive function and other areas of health, but others are potentially harmful.
Allowing plaque and tartar to accumulate on the surface of your teeth causes gum inflammation. As your gums begin to pull away from the sides of your teeth, small pockets form, creating the perfect environment for bacterial growth.
When gum disease reaches an advanced stage, it allows bacteria from your mouth to enter your bloodstream. As this bacteria travels throughout your body, it can cause problems in different areas, including your heart.
Poor oral health can cause an infection in your heart
One way your oral health can impact your heart health is by allowing bacteria to spread and create an infection. While your immune system can fight off many types of infection, there’s a chance that oral germs can cause dangerous infections when they travel to your heart.
Endocarditis is a good example. This infection targets the inner lining of your heart’s chambers or valves. While the condition is rare, it can be fatal.
Inflammation is another area of concern. When an infection develops in your heart, your immune system responds by creating inflammation. This can increase your risk of clogged arteries, stroke, and heart disease.
What you can do to protect your heart health
One of the best ways to reduce your risk of oral health-related heart issues is to examine your current dental hygiene practices and identify areas where improvements can be made.
If you’d like a refresher course on optimal brushing and flossing techniques, or want guidance on which oral health products offer the best results, come in for a professional dental exam and cleaning.
Our team is happy to work with you to improve your dental hygiene routines. Doing so can dramatically reduce your risk of dental decay and gum disease and help you preserve your heart health by lowering your risk of infection and inflammation.
You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Tai by calling our office today. We also offer online booking, making it easy for you to connect with our team any time.
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