subject: Taking Care Of Your Teeth And Gums Can Help Heart Health [print this page] Taking care of your teeth and gums is important to avoid tooth and gum disease and maintain good oral health. But new research is showing that keeping up with your oral health may be even more important than once thought. New studies have come out showing a direct link between gum disease and hearth disease. Researchers believe that the very same plaque that can build up on your teeth and gums can be absorbed into the blood and contribute to blockages in your arteries. In light of these recent discoveries, it has become clear that brushing, flossing and regular checkups with your Naples dentist are more important than ever.
Link Between Oral and Heart Health
Researchers have determined that people who have gum disease are almost twice as likely to develop heart disease as those who maintain good oral health. Gum disease is caused by the buildup of bacteria on the gums and can lead to a multitude of problems. The bacteria release toxins into the bloodstream that are transported throughout the body. The plaque in the bloodstream can be particularly damaging when it accumulates around arteries surrounding the heart. This causes the artery walls to shrink and become hard, which can lead to a variety of heart problems. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and can affect people of any age. Any opportunity to lower your risk of heart disease should be taken advantage of.
Taking Care of Your Gums
In addition to problems with your heart, unhealthy gums can lead to problems such as gingivitis or periodontitis. Because of this, it is very important to take care of your teeth and gums and maintain good oral health. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing every day are critical to keeping good gum health. In addition, regular visits to your Bonita Springs dentist are important. Your dentist can professionally clean your teeth and gums and spot gum disease before it becomes a huge problem.
Risk Factors For Gum Disease
Besides brushing and flossing, there are other factors that can play into how likely you are to develop gum disease:
*Smoking. This is one of the most significant risk factors associated with gum disease and can lower the chances for successful treatment if you are diagnosed with gum disease.
*Genes. Like any other disease, some people carry a greater predisposition for having gum disease.
*Diabetes. People who have diabetes are at a greater risk of infection, including gum disease.
*Medications. Some medications can limit the supply of saliva in the mouth, which works to protect the mouth from infections like gum disease.
Researchers are still trying to learn more about the link between gum disease and heart disease. In the meantime, it is important for everyone to maintain good oral health to combat the possibility of heart disease. Talk to your Naples family dentist to learn more about how to avoid gum disease.
