subject: Take Proper Care Of Your Teeth, It Will Reflect In Your Overall Health [print this page] Many of us slack on our oral health care regimen because we are too tired, or we simply "forget." However, it is important to understand the importance of your oral health because it directly relates to our overall health. According to the American Heart Association, an estimated 2,600 people in the U.S. die of heart disease every day. That is an average of one death every 34 seconds. Additionally, every 45 seconds, someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke. A heart attack or stroke can strike anyone; so take charge now with proper dental health care and dental cleanings from your dentist in Orlando, FL.
Understanding the Heart-Mouth Link
Bacteria that are present in infected gums can come loose and move throughout your body. The same bacteria that cause gum disease and irritate your gums might travel to your arteries. Researchers are unsure what causes the bacteria to become mobile, but it is suggested that the bacteria can be dislodged and enter the bloodstream during tasks as simple as brushing, flossing or even chewing.
Your risk of developing cardiovascular disease varies according to the severity of your gum infection. The worse the infection is, the more likely it is that bacteria are to become blood-borne and move toward your heart. Infected gums can bleed, making it even easier for bacteria to enter your bloodstream. If bacteria do reach your arteries, they can irritate them in the same way that they would irritate your gum tissue during gum disease. This could cause arterial plaque to accumulate, which can cause hardening of the arteries and decreased or blocked blood flow.
Protect Your Gums, Protect Your Heart
Gum disease is a chronic inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissue. The major cause of about 70 percent of adult tooth loss, gum disease affects three out of four people at some point in their life. The primary cause of gum disease is recognized as bacterial plaque, which is a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on the teeth.
If plaque is not removed each day by brushing and flossing, it hardens into a rough, porous substance called calculus, which is also known as tartar. Toxins produced and released by bacteria in plaque irritate the gums and cause the breakdown of the fibers that hold the gums tightly to the teeth, creating periodontal pockets that fill with even more toxins and bacteria. As the disease progresses, pockets extend deeper, and the bacteria moves down until the bone that holds the tooth in place is destroyed, causing the tooth to eventually fall out or require extraction.
To prevent gum disease, brush and floss your teeth daily. In addition, visit your dentist to professionally clean your teeth to minimize your risk. Your dentist in Orlando, FL can design a personalized program of home oral care to meet your needs and effectively protect your teeth from gum disease.
Signs of gum disease may include:
*Bleeding gums
*Sensitive, red or swollen gums
*Bad breath
*Teeth that are loose or appear to have shifted
Maintaining proper dental hygiene is essential in preventing gum disease and any further complications with your dental health. By establishing proper oral health, you can further prevent any other diseases or problems with your overall health, especially your heart.
