We have released an article describing how oral hygiene and heart health are interconnected. With this article, Family and Implant Dentist, Bruce G. Jones hopes to help you understand some of the ways your oral health affects overall health.
The human body is a network of interconnected systems and organs. Unfortunately, issues that impact one particular area of your body can also affect the health and function of other areas. Recently, studies have highlighted evidence for links between gum disease and heart disease.
You can read our entire article at https://brucegjonesdds.com/dentistry/muskegon-mi-dentist-health-link-oral-hygiene-and-heart-disease
While the exact nature of the connection is still being researched, heart disease is almost twice as likely to occur in people who have gum disease. Nearly half of all Americans have undiagnosed gum disease. In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death, making it pertinent that you maintain a healthy heart. The first key to doing so might lie in keeping your gums healthy.
Eat healthy and exercise. Maintain an active lifestyle with activities you enjoy, such as taking walks, riding bikes, playing sports, or doing yoga. Avoid foods high in starches and sugars, including carbonated soft drinks, as they can also damage your teeth.
Don’t smoke or, if you can, quit. Whether you’re smoking or vaping, nicotine has a detrimental effect on your cardiovascular system and can damage teeth, gums, and lungs. Recent studies have connected vaping to a rapid loss in healthy cells that line the top layer of your mouth. These cells play an essential role in keeping your mouth healthy.
Make sure to brush and floss twice a day and visit a dentist twice a year. This is the most basic part of oral hygiene is also the most effective.
By keeping a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and taking care of your teeth, you’re taking a holistic approach to your well-being and minimizing your risk of developing heart disease. As with other diseases, preventing gum disease alone will not completely remove the risk of developing heart disease. However, you can take a proactive approach to keeping your body healthy, starting with your oral health.
To schedule a cleaning and examination with Dr. Jones, contact us at 231-780-5158 or visit the link above.
