Did you know that heart disease is directly connected to our oral health? Oral pain, infections, and disease can often be signs that trace back to the well-being of our overall health. This is why, when your dentist tells you to brush regularly and go for a thorough cleaning every six months – you shouldn’t ignore it. If you’ve been neglecting the health of your gums, here is some info that will hopefully inspire you to take oral care seriously and pick up that toothbrush more often.

Common Risk Factors

When you neglect the oral health of your teeth and gums, you create an environment within your mouth that can easily incubate bacteria and develop infections. Without the regular check-up and cleaning from your dentist, these infections can persist and lead to some seriously harmful results. Smoking, poor diet, and oral hygiene are all common factors that can contribute to gum disease, caused by a build-up of plaque along the gum line. Research connects gum disease with coronary artery disease, clogged arteries, and stroke. The same bacteria found in gum disease is present in blood vessels going through atherosclerosis. Finally, inflammation is a symptom of both gum and heart disease.

Warning Signs

Avoiding regular check-ups with your dentist can lead to the development of serious damage that may often go unnoticed or undiagnosed. It’s important to check for these warning signs regularly:

• Gums that bleed regularly each time you brush or floss
• Gums that look inflamed or swollen consistently
• Tooth pain
• Chronic bad taste or bad breath

If you are experiencing two or more of these symptoms consistently, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as you can.

Prevention and Treatment

You can play a major role in preventing gum disease from occurring, along with potential heart disease, and all it takes is a few minutes out of your day. Always brush your teeth thoroughly. Use an oscillating toothbrush if possible as they are far superior in eliminating plaque build up along the gum line. Regular dental check-ups are essential in order to properly protect and identifying signs of disease. Don’t ignore your oral health. It’s important to monitor and detect any potential signs of gum disease. What happens inside your mouth can cause a ripple effect that permeates throughout the entire body. Oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups and proper cleansing are essential in the maintenance of our entire health. By realizing the serious connection between the health of your mouth and your heart, you can help prevent serious conditions from developing in the future.