Did You Know Your Dental and Cardiovascular Health Are Connected?

Regular brushing and flossing helps maintain a healthy and attractive smile, but could save your life. Clinical studies have shown possible links between oral health and cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular or heart disease is one of the main causes of death in the US. Many people with heart disease are completely unaware they have this condition. It might be hard to believe, but a simple oral care routine could help lower your risk of developing heart disease.

How Can Good Dental Hygiene Help?

The correct brushing techniques help get rid of plaque buildup and reduce the numbers of bacteria in your mouth. Daily flossing removes plaque from in between your teeth in areas that can’t be reached by your toothbrush. These oral hygiene tasks decrease your risk of gum disease, a condition linked to heart disease. It’s been found people with gum disease are nearly twice as likely to have heart disease compared to those with healthy gums. These patients are at higher risk of having a heart attack, and heart disease has also been linked to missing teeth. If you’re not sure how to brush and floss properly, ask your dentist in Fresno for advice and practical help.

The Connection between Your Heart and Mouth

Gum disease causes bleeding gums, enabling bacteria from your mouth to get into your bloodstream. Experts think these bacteria can contribute towards blockages in the arteries, while another theory centers on inflammation. Gum disease is an inflammatory condition, and once bacteria enter the bloodstream they can cause new sites of inflammation, increasing the risk of blood clots. This restricts blood flow and the transport of vital nutrients and oxygen to your heart.

Visit Your Dentist

The early stages of heart disease can cause very few, if any symptoms. As a result many people with this condition do not see a heart specialist until the latter stages of the disease. Regular visits to your dentist in Fresno will help detect any early signs of gum disease so it can be treated before affecting your general health.

If you live in the Fresno, contact us today