To kick off this conversation, let’s begin with a hard truth: cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, regardless of race or gender; 1 in 3 people will die from it — that’s 900,000 in the United States alone, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
These are big, scary numbers to be sure. Fortunately, you have more control over CVD than you might think. Major CVD risk factors include smoking, a sedentary or inactive lifestyle, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, prediabetes or diabetes, obesity, and poor diet. Granted, genetics can play a role, too; however, there are plenty of ways to protect yourself against heart disease. And one of the easiest might surprise you.
Read more: Let’s Have a Heart to Heart: Acknowledging the Link Between Oral Health and Cardiac DiseaseBrushing and flossing.
That’s right. Research continues to show that your oral health and heart health are more connected than you might expect.
At Arndt Dental, we believe that taking care of your smile is an important part of taking care of your whole body and that includes your heart.
“I’ve been a patient of Dr. Arndt for years. Every visit is prompt, professional and friendly. Every person in the office is helpful and knowledgeable. I have never had anything but a positive and easy interaction at their office. They treat our whole family with care and understanding (including a child with anxiety at the dentist). I would recommend them to anyone who is looking for dental care. Call Arndt Dental!”
Understanding the Mouth-Heart Connection.
The connection largely comes down to inflammation and bacteria.
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a chronic inflammatory condition caused by bacteria in the mouth. When left untreated, these bacteria can enter the bloodstream through inflamed gum tissue. From there, they may contribute to inflammation in other parts of the body like your heart.
Studies have found that people with gum disease may be at a higher risk for conditions like CVD, stroke, and blocked arteries.
Gum disease doesn’t always cause obvious pain in its early stages, which means it can go unnoticed. However, the impact can extend beyond your mouth.
Symptoms to watch for include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath (halitosis), gum recession, and loose teeth.
This is why we monitor for gum disease at every appointment. Catching and treating gum symptoms of it early not only protects your smile, we know now it may also support your overall health.
If you haven’t yet, check out The Flip Side: Where Oral Health Meets Mental Well-Being
Tools that Help You Take Back Control
Protecting your oral health is simple and effective, provided you are consistent. That looks like brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily to sweep plaque out from in between your teeth, scheduling regular dental checkups, and being proactive about addressing any problematic symptoms as soon as they appear.
Sure, these seem like small habits; but, taken together, they really add up as a powerful regimen to reduce inflammation and keep both your mouth and body healthier.
Our Motto: A Whole-Body Approach to Health
Your mouth is often a window into your overall health. By prioritizing preventive dental care, you’re not just caring for your teeth, you’re supporting your long-term wellness.If it’s been a while since your last visit, don’t worry! Our team at Arndt Dental will get you back on track with care you can count on. Contact us today to schedule your cleaning or consultation.