subject: How Your Periodontal Health Affects Your Overall Health [print this page] It is very important for you to take care of your oral health on a daily basis. By doing this you can avoid tooth decay and gum disease, which can lead to costly and unpleasant dental work. In addition, did you also know that periodontal disease can have an affect on the health of your heart and is linked to cardiovascular disease? In fact, studies have shown that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as people who are not. Next time that you are brushing or flossing, remember that you might also be reducing your risk for heart disease. Simply taking care of your teeth may not only save your teeth, it could also save your life.
Understanding What Causes The Link
The correlation between periodontal disease and heart disease most likely comes from the buildup of plaque. The same plaque that can accumulate on your teeth and gums can make its way into your bloodstream and contribute to blockages of your arteries. When your arteries become blocked, the flow of blood and nutrients to your heart decreases. This can lead to a variety of different problems, the most serious of which is a heart attack.
Although most people realize that periodontal and tooth disease can be serious problems, they generally do not see these issues as being as serious as many other health problems. However, with the realization that periodontal disease can contribute to heart disease, it may be time to start paying closer attention to your oral health if you are not doing so already.
Coronary Artery Disease
The leading cause of death in the United States is coronary artery disease. When plaque begins to build up and harden in your arteries, it can create a blockage of the flow of blood to your heart. A variety of serious problems can result from this. Chest pain, heart arrhythmias and heart attacks can all be caused by problems with blood flow to your heart. Because of this, it is extremely important for you to do anything you can to lower your risk for heart disease. This includes diet, quitting smoking, exercise and taking care of your teeth and gums to lower your risk for gum and heart disease.
To keep your teeth and gums healthy, it is important that you brush them at least twice per day and floss in between your teeth once per day. You should also be sure to make frequent visits to your Waldorf dentist. He or she will be able to clean your teeth and examine them for any potential problems.
To learn more about the connection between oral and cardiovascular health or to schedule an appointment, contact your dentist in Waldorf today.
