How Proper Dental Care Can Help Prevent Heart Disease: The Link Between Oral Health and Heart Health

It's not just your teeth and gums that benefit from good dental hygiene - your heart also reaps the rewards. Studies have shown a strong link between oral health and heart health, with researchers finding that people with gum disease are 2-3 times more likely to develop heart disease. This is because oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream through the gums and contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, leading to a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes.

The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups

One of the most effective ways to prevent gum disease and protect your heart is to visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. During these appointments, your dentist can remove any plaque or tartar buildup on your teeth and check for signs of gum disease or other oral health issues. They can also provide guidance on proper brushing and flossing techniques to help you maintain good oral hygiene at home.

Brushing and Flossing for Heart Health

In addition to regular dental checkups, proper brushing and flossing are crucial for maintaining good oral health and protecting your heart. Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time, using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush. Make sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth and your tongue to remove bacteria and food particles.

Flossing is equally important, as it helps to remove plaque and bacteria from between your teeth and along your gum line. Aim to floss at least once a day, using a gentle back-and-forth motion to clean each tooth. If you have trouble with traditional floss, consider using a water flosser or interdental brushes.

The BaleDoneen Method

Here at North County Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, we’re trained in the BaleDoneen method--an interdisciplinary approach to reducing arterial disease that lead to heart attacks and strokes. The method uses a combination of education, identifying plaque in the arteries, identifying and treating the cause of the plaque, and setting goals for treatment, including preventing and reversing existing disease.

As we’ve already discussed, one of the root causes of plaque in the arteries comes from periodontitis--otherwise known as gum disease. That means that your dentist can have a huge impact on your risk and treatment of arterial disease. That’s why we proactively treat gum disease using treatments like PerioProtect, LANAP, laser deep cleanings, and more.

Dental Treatments for Gum Disease and Tooth Decay

If you do develop gum disease or tooth decay, there are a variety of dental treatments that can help. In the early stages of gum disease, a thorough cleaning by your dentist or dental hygienist may be enough to remove the buildup of plaque and bacteria and prevent further damage to your gums. In more advanced cases, scaling and root planing may be necessary to remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooth out the roots of the teeth to help prevent further infection.

For tooth decay, your dentist may recommend a filling or crown to restore the damaged tooth and prevent further decay. In more severe cases, a root canal may be necessary to remove the infected pulp and save the tooth from extraction. In all cases, it's important to seek prompt treatment for gum disease and tooth decay to prevent further damage.