Can My Gums Really Affect My Health?
Have you ever thought, “Great! I don’t have any cavities, so everything is fine.”? Maybe so or maybe not. Current research is revealing a clear link between the health of your gums and the health of your heart. There is evidence that the healthier your gums, the stronger and less disease-prone your heart is.
The simple acts of brushing and flossing daily may help you avoid both gum disease, called periodontal disease, and heart disease. Gum disease may signal a warning that something else is going on in your body. Poor oral health has been linked to diabetes, kidney disease, pre-term labor, Alzheimer’s disease and even certain types of cancer.
Yet this connection is often overlooked, even by medical professionals. Most people tend to think of oral health as just “dental”. But more and more dental and medical professionals are paying attention to the evidence that several studies show a surprising correlation between gum health and a condition called atherosclerosis, which underlies much heart disease. It works this way: the unhealthier your gums are, the narrower your arteries are, due to the buildup of plaque. This is true, not just for older at-risk persons, but also for healthy, young adults who have no other symptoms of heart disease.
Here are several ways you can prevent gum disease:
- Brush teeth at least 2 times a day
- Do not smoke or chew tobacco
- Alcohol should be limited to one or two drinks a day
- Replace your toothbrush every 3 months
- Floss every day to remove bacteria and plaque under the gum line
- See your dentist on a regular basis for exams and cleanings
- Eat a well balanced diet
Make your gum health and your heart health a goal you can reach this year.
Contact our office in Northern Virginia to learn more about sedation dentistry.
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make you smile, contact us today.
12908 Fitzwater Drive
Nokesville, Virginia 20182
Tel: 703.594.2151
Fax: 703.594.2991