The Positive Effects of Dental Care on Heart Health
Everyone knows how important it is to care for the teeth and gums, and attend routine dental appointments. While it’s been widely known for many years how beneficial professional dental care is for the health of the teeth and gums, new evidence makes these dental appointments more important than ever. Not only can general dentistry services aid in the prevention of serious dental complications, but studies show that dental care can also promote good heart health. Dr. Burton Gooch understands the link between dental care and heart health, and he encourages his Birmingham patients to maintain a schedule of biannual dental exams and cleanings and to treat any dental problems that do arise as soon as possible.
How Dental Care Affects Heart Health
It can be difficult to grasp the concept that dental care and heart health affect one another. At first glance, it would appear that the two share nothing in common. However, scientific studies have repeatedly shown that there is in fact a direct link between oral health and heart health, meaning that, just as professional dental care can positively impact oral health, it can also benefit heart health.
What evidence shows is that patients who suffer from oral health problems, and especially those who suffer from gum disease, have an increased risk of suffering from heart disease or a heart attack. Similarly, those patients who suffer from heart disease are more likely to develop oral health problems, or to exhibit signs of periodontal disease, which includes red, swollen gums. Whether this link is due to an overall increase of bacteria in the bloodstream or inflammation (which may cause inflammation in the blood vessels leading to the heart) is still unclear, but the fact that there is a connection is clear.
Health Benefits of Dental Care
What all the evidence showing the link between heart health and oral health tells us is that professional dental care can be even more beneficial than previously thought. By scheduling regular dental exams and cleanings and practicing good oral hygiene habits at home, patients can preserve good oral and overall body health and aid in the prevention of heart disease. Below are some habits that should be included in any good dental care routine:
- Brush at least twice a day
- Floss daily
- Rinse the mouth with water after meals
- Schedule dental exams and professional cleanings at least twice a year
- Schedule recommended restorative dental treatments when oral health problems arise
- Limit the intake of especially starchy and sugary foods and beverages
Contact Us
Professional dental care is a vital part of maintaining good oral health and can aid in the preservation of overall physical health. If you are looking for a trusted dentist that can provide you with a comprehensive range of dental services, look no further than Dr. Burton Gooch. Contact us at your earliest convenience to learn more about our high quality dental care. We look forward to hearing from you.