It’s true that your oral health affects your overall health, but what exactly does this mean? Gum disease has long been associated with heart disease, and recent studies have identified links between oral health and heart disease. Not only that, your oral health may indicate signs of other serious diseases and conditions such as diabetes and stroke. Seeing your dentist in Monkland regularly can ensure you stay on top of both your oral and general health.
What’s The Connection?
Many researchers believe that heart disease and oral health are linked by the spread of bacteria through your bloodstream to your heart. The bacteria from your mouth can attach to damaged areas of the heart, causing inflammation that may result in endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the heart. The inflammation caused by oral bacteria has also been associated with cardiovascular conditions such as atherosclerosis (blocked arteries) and stroke.
Gum Disease
Patients with gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease have the highest risk for heart disease caused by poor oral health. Even if you don’t have noticeable gum inflammation, if you skip regular dental cleanings and checkups from your dentist in Monkland or practice poor oral hygiene, you’re putting yourself at a higher risk for gum disease, which can affect your overall health and well-being.
Taking Care of Your Oral Health
Good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups and cleanings are most effective ways to protect yourself from periodontal disease and other serious potential health problems. For many people, brushing is the first step in their daily dental routine, but our dentist in Monkland recommends using dental products in a Rinse, Floss, Brush order. Why is this method best? Rinsing and flossing first removes the debris between your teeth, which means that when you brush, fluoride toothpaste can more easily get into the surfaces in between teeth protecting and strengthening tooth enamel in these hard-to-reach areas.
If you’re concerned about the connection between heart disease and oral health, our Monkland dentist can help you keep your smile healthy, which in turn can improve and enhance your overall health.
