Show your heart and your loved ones you care by taking extra good care of your teeth and gums.
February is not just about Valentine’s Day but also American Heart Month and because we love you so much, we want you to take care of your heart by taking care of your teeth!
Heart disease is a top concern for men and women.
Chances are you’ve heard about the dangers of periodontitis to your teeth and gums. This disease is caused by a build-up of plaque in your mouth.
There’s a connection between heart and dental inflammation because those with periodontitis also have risk factors for atherosclerosis, the build-up of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels that can lead to heart attacks and stroke.
It’s possible the connection is caused because the two diseases share other risk factors, including age, diabetes, and smoking. What we do know is that periodontitis can raise the level of inflammation in the body resulting in extra stress being placed on the arteries and blood vessels.
When the body experiences inflammation, a protein is created that is a known factor in heart disease. If your teeth are heavily inflamed because of gingivitis and periodontitis, then you will produce this protein that can cause your risk level to increase.
What can you do about this?
Show how much you care about your heart by caring for your teeth. Make sure to brush and floss regularly. Visit a dentist twice a year for check-ups and routine dental work. If you do develop gingivitis or periodontitis, then consider mentioning this to your doctor to see if you’re also at risk for heart disease.
Eat properly and exercise regularly. Your health is not something to mess around with!
She doesn’t worry about heart disease now that she read these tips!
Dr. Potts is a gentle, caring dentist who uses the most advanced materials and procedures available. He practices comfortable, health-centered dentistry, with a strong emphasis on getting to know each patient. In addition to his technical proficiency, Dr. Potts is a careful listener. He makes sure to understand what you want and will explain beforehand what treatment is best for your individual needs, along with all options available to you. Check out our Twitter, Facebook page, and website.
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