What Is the Connection Between Your Heart & Oral Health?
Dental professionals always stress the importance of excellent dental health. Most people think that good oral health care only benefits their mouths. However, studies show that the health of your mouth impacts your general well-being. Read on to learn about the connection between your heart and oral health.
The Link Between the Heart and Oral Health
Your mouth contains bacteria, some of which are important in digestion. However, the bacteria increase if you do not practice proper oral hygiene or visit the Auburn dental clinic for cleaning. Continuous poor oral hygiene causes the bacteria to build up into plaque and tartar. These attach to your teeth and gums, resulting in cavities and gum disease.
When the cavities enlarge, they create access for bacteria to the pulp. The bacteria infect the blood vessels and nerves inside your tooth. Alternatively, gum disease may advance, resulting in mouth sores. As a result, the bacteria will spread through the gums into the bloodstream and the body.
When they reach your heart, the bacteria will attach themselves to any damaged tissues. In addition, they increase the C-reactive protein in the bloodstream. Consequently, this leads to inflammation and infection of the tissues inside your heart. Some conditions that can occur are endocarditis, atherosclerosis, and stroke.
Another connection between heart and oral health is a more straightforward diagnosis of heart issues. During routine dental exams, the dentist in Auburn, WA, looks for signs of systemic problems. The state of your oral health can enable them to detect signs of heart disease. This allows early treatment of the issues and can even save your life.
How Can You Care For Your Mouth for Excellent Heart Health?
Excellent oral health care protects you against heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions. You should be proactive concerning your oral health to maintain good heart health. Below are some things you can do to reduce the risk of heart disease due to poor oral health.
- Maintain good oral hygiene
Brush for two minutes at least twice every day, and floss daily. When brushing, use a soft-bristled toothbrush that can reach all areas of your mouth. You may opt for an electric toothbrush or a regular one. In addition, use a brand of toothpaste recommended by the ADA for optimum oral hygiene and health.
Also, rinse your mouth regularly with an antibacterial mouth rinse to reduce bacteria. Do not forget to floss daily between your teeth and gum line. Flossing helps to eliminate plaque that the toothbrush cannot access. Consult the experts at Auburn dental clinic on the best flossing tools and techniques.
- Attend regular dental checkups
Ensure you visit a dentist at least twice yearly for routine dental exams and cleanings. The expert will assess your mouth to check for indications of heart conditions. For example, they will check for signs and symptoms of gum disease and dental pulp infections. If they notice any issues, they will provide appropriate treatment to prevent problems with your heart.
During regular checkups, your dentist will also clean your mouth. They will eliminate all bacteria, plaque, and tartar. Doing so helps to reduce the risks of gum disease and cavities. It also helps to reverse or treat gum disease, ensuring good heart health.
- Maintain a healthy diet
Certain foods increase poor oral health, while others promote excellent oral health. Therefore, you should check what you eat. Avoid or minimize taking foods with plenty of sugars, starches, or acids. Instead, eat foods rich in nutrients and vitamins. These include, such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. In addition, take plenty of water and limit between-meal snacks to reduce oral bacteria.
- Avoid tobacco products
Tobacco products increase the risk of gum disease and heart disease. Therefore, you should reduce or quit using them. People who use smokeless tobacco products are not exempted from the dangers of nicotine. They, too, should avoid these products for better heart health.
Be proactive about your oral health to avoid poor heart health. So, Schedule a visit to the experts at Sunrise Dental of Auburn. We will help you maintain excellent oral health through preventive and restorative dentistry. In addition, we will perform regular exams to detect early signs of heart disease and take necessary measures.