Hearts have a very important role this month. Not only are they important Valentine’s Day décor, but February is also Heart Health Month. A healthy diet and exercise are important to your heart health, but did you know that your dental health can affect your heart as well? Below, you will find out why your oral hygiene and habits are getting a little bit more attention this month and what you can do to keep heart health risks at bay.
How are Your Teeth and Heart Connected?
Research has found that the connection between gum disease and heart disease lies between dental infections in the mouth and their ability to travel through the bloodstream to the heart and other organs. Gum disease, a dental infection caused by a buildup of oral bacteria, occurs when your gums pull away from your teeth, forming swollen, puss-filled pockets along the gum line. A common strain of bacteria that is often found in this infection is streptococcus sanguis. Once it makes its way to the bloodstream, it can spread infection to the heart and even the brain!
How Can a Dental Infection Damage Your Heart?
Two heart conditions that are caused by bacteria commonly found in the mouth are coronary heart disease and infective endocarditis. Infective endocarditis, also known as IE, is an infection in the heart valves or the lining of the endocardium, or interior surfaces of the heart. Heart disease develops when cholesterol deposits block the arteries and gradually minimizes the flow of blood. Studies lead by Dr. Souvik Sen, a professor and chair of clinical neurology at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Columbia, found that people with gum disease are 2 to 3 times more likely to experience a stroke or a heart attack than those with healthy mouths.
How Can You Minimize Your Risk of Heart Problem?
No one can fully prevent heart issues, but there are many ways you can lower your risk. The first thing you can do is stop using nicotine products. They cause the flow of blood to your gums to slow, which minimizes your mouth’s ability to fight off infection. In addition to this, the American Dental Association recommends flossing at least once per day and brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes. Following these recommendations and visiting your dentist at least twice a year will help keep your mouth healthy, reducing your chances of both a heart attack and a stroke.
Your oral health can easily affect your overall health. In addition to reducing your risk of gum disease and heart conditions, a proper oral routine will make it even easier to smile. Show your heart some love this month and take great care of your teeth!
About the Practice
At Meadowbrook Dentistry, Drs. Publio Silfa and Miguel Casanas, Jr. truly care about helping patients achieve their healthiest smiles. Dr. Silfa earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Columbia College of Dental Medicine and completed an AEGD residency as the Chief Resident and associate clinical professor at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Canasas completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the State University of Stony Brook and attended a general practice residency at Booth Memorial Medical Center. In addition to transforming smiles throughout Plainview, they also volunteer with Medical Wings International, an organization that brings professionals together to provide medical and dental services to communities that may not otherwise have access to the care they need. If you are ready to reclaim your dental health with dentists who care, contact the office at (516) 346-5655 or visit the website to schedule your appointment today.