Can Our Smiles Prevent Heart Disease?
Can smiles prevent heart disease? We think so, and here are a few reasons why.
February is American Heart Month. And while it is important that a healthy heart is fantastic for our overall health, have you ever thought about it being linked to your smile? It sounds off the wall, but it is true. Our mouths are our first line of defense against lots of the illnesses that can affect our overall health. Think about it – lots of things go through our mouths that give up nutrition, it should come as no surprise that the opposite is true as well. That said, it is important to ask ourselves – Can good oral health prevent heart disease?
During this time, we would like to take a moment to cover how your oral health is very important to your overall health. Studies have shown gum disease is possibly linked to heart disease. Periodontists and cardiologists have been being researching this for years now, although there is no direct link to the two causing one another, some researchers say that cardiovascular disease may be caused by the inflammation and infection that oral bacteria can cause.
Coincidentally, gum disease and heart disease actually share some of the same risk factors such as age, smoking and diabetes. People with moderate to severe periodontal disease should be informed of the increased risks for heart and blood vessel problems. There are simple daily routines that you can take to prevent gum disease, like:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day
- Floss your teeth daily
- Use a mouthwash daily
- If you smoke, stop smoking
- Visit your dentist regularly
If you have questions or concerns about your dental health, make an appointment today with Dr. Farless at 336-282-2868 or visit our website at www.gsodentist.com.
Dr. Farless DDS proudly serves Greensboro, Brown Summit, Jamestown, High Point, McLeansville, Summerfield and all surrounding areas.