You know that regular brushing and flossing can help keep your mouth healthy, but did you know that a healthy mouth could also mean a healthy heart? Each February, Americans observe American Heart Month, a time to educate ourselves about the risks associated with heart disease and analyze our own habits. At my dental office in Staten Island, we’d like to do our part and talk about the connection between mouth and heart.
The Connection Between Mouth and Heart
When we talk about the connection between mouth and heart, the first thing that comes to mind is gum disease. Gum disease is a dangerous disease that, if left untreated, can lead to heart concerns. According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), gum disease has a direct correlation to an increased risk for heart attacks. What’s more, many whole-body problems tend to show the very first warning signs in the mouth, which makes regular appointments with your dentist in Staten Island even more important.
Know the Signs
Keeping your mouth healthy and gum disease free is important for not only the life of your smile, but for your heart, too. Some of the symptoms of gum disease include:
- Swollen, red, or tender gums
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing
- Consistently bad breath
- Chronic bad taste in the mouth
- Loose teeth
- Gums that appear to be pulling away from the teeth
Putting Your Heart at Risk
Besides maintaining a healthy mouth, there are additional ways you can decrease your risk of heart disease by changing a few lifestyle factors. Although making any considerable life changes is daunting, it’s important to keep trying. Some habits that put the heart at risk include:
- Smoking
- Poor Diet
- Lack of Exercise
If your lifestyle factors put you at risk for heart disease, or if any of the signs of gum disease sound familiar to you, call my Staten Island dental office right away. Early detection of gum disease not only means a quicker treatment plan, but can also help keep your heart healthy. Don’t put your heart at risk.
Accepting patients from Staten Island, Tottenville, Prince’s Bay, and nearby towns.