A general dentist often focuses on the importance of oral hygiene and how it can help the overall health of patients. There are many patients who are unaware of the impact that oral health can have on the heart’s health. The following explains how poor oral hygiene may be connected to the development of heart issues.
Oral health has been shown to have an effect on a patient’s heart health. Poor oral hygiene can result in gum disease. In some cases, bacteria and germs from the mouth spread through the bloodstream and to other parts of the body; this can cause serious inflammation and bacterial infections. The inflammation may contribute to the development of many heart conditions. A bacterial infection in the bloodstream can be harmful to the heart valves and may be dangerous for those who have artificial heart valves.
Periodontal disease is an infection that develops in the gum tissues and jawbone. The condition is caused by plaque that builds up on the teeth and may lead to tooth loss. It is a common disease and can often remain undetected for long periods of time as some dental patients do not notice any of the typical signs of gum inflammation.
Moderate and severe gum disease have been linked to numerous cardiovascular conditions. Patients with periodontal disease are more at risk to develop atherosclerosis, a condition that causes a narrowing and hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis puts patients at a higher chance of suffering from a heart attack or stroke. Endocarditis, an infection of the heart’s lining that can cause life-threatening damage, has also been connected to gum disease.
Patients should be aware of the symptoms of periodontal disease and visit a general dentist as soon as possible if they develop any of the following warning signs:
Preventing the development of gum disease is crucial. Proper oral hygiene, which includes brushing twice a day and flossing daily, is one of the easiest ways to avoid periodontal disease. Patients should also see a general dentist twice a year for routine cleanings and examinations to ensure the teeth and gums are in optimal health. Taking proper care of the teeth may reduce the risk of developing heart disease for many patients.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Oral Health in San Jose, CA
Research shows a patient’s oral health can have a connection to heart health. Gum disease may lead to the possibility of heart disease. It is vitally important for patients to practice proper oral hygiene habits to aid in the prevention of serious heart conditions. Routine visits to a general dentist can help patients protect their overall health as well as maintain a beautiful and healthy smile.
Request an appointment or call Dennis Baik, DDS at 408-676-5321 for an appointment in our San Jose office.
A general dentist can provide services ranging from routine cleanings and exams to the detection and diagnosis of periodontal disease. When patients have an oral health condition that requires surgery, the dentist may refer the patient to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for treatment. There are several reasons why it may be necessary to obtain…
A general dentist is the dental equivalent of a primary care physician. A general dental professional is the person dental patients can go to for routine preventative care and diagnosis of any oral health problems. There are multiple benefits to establishing a relationship with a general dentist.Maintaining oral health is important for both the health…
If a general dentist recommends a dental crown, there are a variety of reasons why. Crowns can be used for cosmetic corrections as well as for protection and support. These dental restorations may seem intimidating to those who have never had one, but they do not have to be. Here are some questions to ask…
When considering full mouth reconstruction to restore oral health, it is important to learn about the process, including the choice to make. When multiple dental issues are present, a full mouth reconstruction is usually the best procedure to correct the problems and restore oral functions and one's appearance. Since there is a lot of information…
Tooth extraction can be a frightening concept, especially for those who have never had a tooth removed before and are not sure what to expect or those who have had a bad experience with extraction in the past. However, there are various things you and your dentist or oral surgeon can do to help mentally…