Have a (Healthy) Heart

February is American Heart Month as well as Gum Disease Awareness Month. It’s a good time to remind patients and their families of the link between your cardiovascular health and oral health. The connection is from oral bacteria entering the bloodstream, triggering an inflammatory response and contributing to blockages or clots. Studies have found remnants of oral bacteria within atherosclerotic blood vessels in the heart and brain which are not near the mouth. In fact:

• Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and has been since the early part of the last century

• People with gum disease are twice as likely to have heart disease

• As many as 85% of individuals in the U.S. may have gum disease and not even know it

• The presence of gum disease, cavities and missing teeth can predict heart disease much like cholesterol levels

Gum disease is initially considered a silent disease since symptoms may not show up until the process has advanced to later stages. Proactive steps include brushing twice daily, flossing and visiting your dental professionals regularly for checkups and cleaning. Annual medical exams should include checking your heart health.

Take Heart: Address Oral Health Today

Our doctors and support teams are dedicated to helping you with your oral and systemic health. Treating inflammation from gum disease may not only help manage gum disease but also help with managing other chronic conditions.

If you have gum disease, we can reverse it in its initial stage (gingivitis) or treat it in later stages with professional periodontal cleaning and procedures like root planing and scaling, antibiotic therapies, various surgical procedures and laser treatments.  If you suspect you may have gum disease, call us for a consultation today. Referrals from other dental professionals are always welcomed but not required.

Make an appointment today by contacting us at 561-912-9993.