Did You Know There's a Link Between Dental Health and Your Heart?
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America, but did you know that there’s a link between dental health and heart health? It’s true! While brushing your teeth may not seem like something that can be life-changing, proper oral hygiene can have important benefits for your heart and your overall health. Here are three ways dental health impacts your heart.
Brushing your teeth
It is not surprising that your oral health has an effect on your heart health, considering that studies have shown that cavities are associated with higher risk of heart attack. As it turns out, brushing your teeth may be the best way to prevent tooth decay. When you brush your teeth you're removing bacteria and plaque that can cause problems such as cavities or gum disease. If you brush for at least two minutes twice a day (especially after meals), there's less of a chance for bacteria to form which can lead to gingivitis and other serious issues. Brush in circular motions from the gum line up and pay attention to hard-to-reach areas like the tongue, between teeth, and the back of the mouth as well as inside molars. Be sure to brush gently so you don't hurt your gums. To avoid sensitivity due to brushing too hard, use a toothpaste containing fluoride. And don't forget about flossing! Even if you brush regularly, bacteria still remain in those tight spaces near the teeth where dental floss can remove them. To maintain good dental hygiene habits throughout life and make your heart happy too, teach children good habits early on by modeling healthy behavior yourself. A habit as simple as brushing twice a day, especially after eating sugar and snacks, can go a long way towards preventing gum disease and cavities. Make it fun by giving kids their own toothbrush just for them, with their favorite character on it. Regular visits to the dentist will also help ensure good dental health in adults. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children visit the dentist every six months until they turn 18 years old. For parents who cannot afford regular dental visits, some states offer free or low cost care through Medicaid/Medicare, while others offer discounted care programs. Research suggests that even more than fifty percent of adults suffer from periodontal disease; meaning many people are unaware they need to get this taken care of. The ADA provides helpful information on how to find low cost or free dental services near you. Saying brush without specifying the rest: Let's say someone wrote: Hey, did you brush? That sentence would mean did you wash your teeth with water and toothpaste? Without any further explanation it could also mean did you do something else? Did you take a shower? Did you wash your hands? Did you bathe your dog? Did you feed the goldfish? We'll never know because that's not what was meant.
Bad breath
Dental plaque, the film that forms on your teeth because of bacteria, leads to tooth decay and cavities. When left untreated, these problems can lead to root abscesses or even heart disease. One study found that people with periodontal (gum) disease were three times more likely to develop heart attack or stroke than those without.
It's easy for dental health problems to go unnoticed for months. If you notice bleeding from your gums, it may be a sign of more serious issues that need treatment from the dentist. For many people, gum pain is an early warning sign of tooth decay – just brushing isn't enough if you want healthy teeth and gums! Another thing to look out for is bad breath. If you have bad breath and have difficulty cleaning between your teeth, then you might have a build-up of plaque. Another possible symptom is bleeding from the gums when brushing. These are all signs that you should visit the dentist ASAP! Make sure to get regular cleanings and checkups twice per year. Brush twice a day for two minutes at least; floss daily; and use mouthwash as directed. You'll feel better about yourself knowing that you're doing something proactive about your oral health! If you don't know where to start, talk to your dentist or hygienist for guidance. And don't forget about prevention—brush twice a day for two minutes at least; floss daily; and use mouthwash as directed. You'll feel better about yourself knowing that you're doing something proactive about your oral health! If you don't know where to start, talk to your dentist or hygienist for guidance. And don't forget about prevention—brush twice a day for two minutes at least; floss daily; and use mouthwash as directed. You'll feel better about yourself knowing that you're doing something proactive about your oral health! If you don't know where to start, talk to your dentist or hygienist for guidance. And don't forget about prevention—brush twice a day for two minutes at least; floss daily; and use mouthwash as directed.
Gum Disease
Studies have found that gum disease can cause cardiovascular disease. Poor oral health has been linked to chronic inflammation, which increases risk for heart problems. One reason for this connection is that people with periodontal or other gum diseases tend to produce higher levels of lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which are believed to promote chronic inflammation and make it harder for the body to fight off other infections.
This explains why some people develop atherosclerosis – the buildup of plaque along the inner lining of the arteries, often leading to stroke or heart attack. LPS might also contribute to conditions like type 2 diabetes by causing inflammation in the body and impacting how glucose is used in the cells. Healthcare professionals recommend daily brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and regular dental checkups to maintain good dental health. Maintaining good oral hygiene could lead to less inflammation, which may reduce your risk for heart problems. The American Academy of Periodontology recommends visiting your dentist every six months for professional cleaning and teeth examination. It’s important to be aware of what you’re putting into your mouth and follow these tips for maintaining a healthy smile.
How do you stay healthy between visits to the dentist? One way to help maintain your oral health between dental appointments is by taking care of your teeth on a daily basis. Twice-daily brushing and flossing will remove food particles and bacteria from your mouth. Replace toothbrushes every three months or when bristles show wear. Brush gently using circular motions to avoid damaging gums; brush at least five minutes each time, holding brush at 45 degree angle against tooth surface until cleaner reaches gum line. Rinse after brushing then spit out any excess toothpaste so as not to swallow chemicals used in toothpaste. Avoid swallowing excess water as well since bacteria can grow in liquid sitting in the sink; instead, use dry towel for wiping hands after washing them before touching food items or eating anything else. Try to drink plenty of fluids and limit intake of sugary foods, sodas, or alcoholic beverages that contribute to tooth decay. When possible, chew sugarless gum or sugarless hard candy. Lastly, don't forget about nutrition! A diet rich in vitamin C promotes stronger bones and better immune system functioning.
Tooth Loss
Missing teeth are more than just an aesthetic concern. Tooth loss can lead to difficulty chewing food which can result in malnutrition, weight loss, stomach ulcers, and digestive problems. When you have missing teeth, you are more likely to end up with dentures because your teeth keep shifting around into different positions. Dentures do not have the same nutrients as natural teeth so it is easy for people with dentures to miss out on essential vitamins like calcium and vitamin D that contribute to healthy bones. So what does this all mean for your heart? If oral health affects your overall health, then it would also affect your cardiovascular system. One study found that individuals who had lost most of their teeth had almost three times the risk of coronary artery disease as those who still had their full set of teeth. Additionally, some studies suggest that periodontal bacteria may be able to get into the bloodstream and promote inflammation in other parts of the body such as heart tissue. All of these factors combined could help explain why there seems to be a correlation between poor dental health and heart disease. For example, one study found that patients who had both diabetes and chronic kidney disease were two-and-a-half times more likely to experience heart attacks if they also lacked dental care. The American Dental Association has partnered with groups like the American Heart Association to encourage people to take better care of their teeth for their own good. But the dental world doesn't stop at toothbrushes! A dentist can assess whether or not a patient needs medication by looking at their gums and teeth; they might even find plaque before it hardens into tartar. Plaque buildup leads to cavities, gingivitis, bleeding gums, and bad breath. And when gum disease develops, your mouth loses its ability to fight off bad bacteria due to an inability to produce enough saliva. As you know from our last blog post, this means trouble for your heart! People with severe gum disease are three times more likely to develop heart attack and stroke. Gum diseases make oral hygiene much harder, leading to increased infections, abscesses, bone loss and cysts. However - while it sounds scary - gum disease isn't hopeless! With the right treatment plan, many cases of severe gum disease can be resolved in six months. That is why we want everyone to understand how important taking care of your teeth really is - not only for your mouth but also for your heart! Read more about the link between dental health and your heart here.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
The increased risk of heart disease in people with obstructive sleep apnea is well documented. But, it’s been theorized that the problem goes even deeper than that. A recent study found an interesting connection between coronary artery calcification and tooth loss in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. According to one of the lead researchers, The more teeth they lost, the higher their levels of plaque build-up or calcification tended to be. While this doesn't necessarily mean that dental health directly causes cardiovascular problems, this research does suggest that there could be a significant link between the two. If you're experiencing any symptoms of heart disease, like chest pain or shortness of breath, make sure to visit your dentist as soon as possible! Not only will they ensure that you have a healthy mouth, but also a healthy heart. So if you're wondering how to brush your teeth better, don't worry! Here are a few helpful tips: 1) Use fluoride toothpaste 2) Use soft bristles 3) Brush for at least 2 minutes 4) Brush away from the gum line 5) Get help from a fluoride rinse if needed 6) Rinse thoroughly 7) Brush your tongue 8) Floss daily 9) Drink plenty of water
It's not just your smile on the line - remember that brushing can affect many parts of your body including your heart! Be sure to brush regularly, floss often, and drink lots of water. Ask your dentist about what type of toothbrush might work best for you. Is there one with larger heads? Does the handle need to be curved for easier gripping? These questions may seem simple, but take some time to think about them. Not only will these small adjustments benefit your mouth and oral hygiene, but also your heart! And while we all know that we should brush our teeth every day, it never hurts to double check yourself before bed. I hope this post helped clear up any confusion around whether or not dentists can help treat heart conditions. And now you know - so tell your friends! Don't forget to ask your dentist about getting fitted for a new mouth guard too.
Diabetes
People who live with diabetes often experience the condition in their mouths due to chronically high blood sugar levels. If the gums recede, decay can lead to infection, which spreads easily. The most common complication of uncontrolled diabetes is gum disease. About 80% of people with diabetes have periodontal disease that has not been treated early enough. The bacteria from gum diseases can contribute to heart disease because chronic inflammation from gum disease can affect blood flow. Patients who suffer from these gum diseases are at risk for coronary artery calcification, which might damage artery walls and produce lesions or lesions on an artery wall during plaque formation, resulting in inflammation as well as arterial narrowing that reduces the amount of oxygen-rich blood flowing to the heart muscles and other tissues and organs. In addition, if patients have a history of congestive heart failure or cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and sudden cardiac death; they're more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases. When it comes to dental health, it doesn't just start and end with brushing your teeth! Toothpaste provides about 1/4th of the protection against cavities and tooth loss - a healthy diet (that includes plenty of fruit) will provide another 1/4th. But what about your diet? Sugary foods create acid in our mouth, wear down our tooth enamel, and cause cavities. Coffee drinkers also face acid erosion from drinking coffee all day long! The best thing you can do is brush your teeth after each meal and before bedtime to prevent cavities, protect against gum disease (as mentioned above), and stop tooth loss. What happens when you don't take care of your teeth? Diabetes: People who live with diabetes often experience the condition in their mouths due to chronically high blood sugar levels. If the gums recede, decay can lead to infection, which spreads easily. The most common complication of uncontrolled diabetes is gum disease. About 80% of people with diabetes have periodontal disease that has not been treated early enough. The bacteria from gum diseases can contribute to heart disease because chronic inflammation from gum disease can affect blood flow. Patients who suffer from these gum diseases are at risk for coronary artery calcification, which might damage artery walls and produce lesions or lesions on an artery wall during plaque formation, resulting in inflammation as well as arterial narrowing that reduces the amount of oxygen-rich blood flowing to the heart muscles and other tissues and organs. In addition, if patients have a history of congestive heart failure or cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and sudden cardiac death; they're more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases. When it comes to dental health, it doesn't just start and end with brushing your teeth!
Cancer Risks
Research has found that there is a link between dental health and your heart. Brushing your teeth at least twice daily is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of developing cancer. Leaving plaque on teeth all day long can give you thrush, which increases the number of bad cells in the body. The most important part about tooth care is being consistent. A dentist will be able to help you get started on the right track! Just by visiting them regularly for cleanings and checkups, you'll be making great strides towards improving your overall health! Make sure to visit them twice yearly. Don't forget to schedule an appointment with your local orthodontist too! Once you find a good orthodontist, it's not too hard to maintain. When brushing your teeth, use fluoride toothpaste twice a day for two minutes each time. Remember: if it tastes too strong or burns when you brush, it isn't working properly and needs to be replaced. Flossing should be done once per day- this is also an excellent way to remove food particles that might cause cavities or gum disease if left unchecked. In addition, try taking supplements like calcium citrate and Vitamin D3 as these are proven benefits for maintaining healthy teeth. The more often you go to the dentist, the less likely you are to develop problems such as periodontal disease or oral cancer. Try to go every six months or so. Visit your doctor every year for a routine physical exam so they can keep tabs on any other medical conditions you may have. Then, make sure to call your local orthodontist every six months so they can remind you of any necessary adjustments or updates. As always, eat well and stay hydrated! And don't forget about flossing !!! After dinner (or anytime), take about 18 inches of dental floss and wrap it around your fingers in the shape of a C or S. Hold the ends securely, with thumbs next to index fingers and forefingers wrapped around the other end. Gently scrape against tooth surfaces without pressing down too hard (this could damage enamel). Move along, up and down in front (incisors) then over to back (molars). Hold tight while you pull through until you feel resistance then let go. Be sure to repeat up and down motions before switching hands!
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