It may surprise you to know that heart disease and the health of your mouth are possibly linked? It’s estimated that heart disease will claim a staggering 600,000 lives this year, making it a number one killer.
There are two different connections between heart disease and the health of your mouth:
1. Studies have shown that people with moderate or advanced gum (periodontal) disease are more likely to have heart disease than those with healthy gums.
2. The health of your mouth can provide warning signs for other diseases or conditions, including heart disease.
Because the mouth is a pathway to the body, people who have chronic gum disease are at a higher risk of suffering from a heart attack. Gum disease affects around 80 percent adults so it’s important you keep a look out for these warning signs:
•Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing
•Gums that seem to be pulling away from your teeth
•Chronic bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
•Teeth that are loose or are separating from each other
Although gum disease seems to be associated with heart disease, more studies are needed before we can say with certainty what the relationship is.
Regular dental health checks are important because during this you will receive a ‘Ten Point Healthy Mouth Check’, a mouth cancer check and the removal of harmful bacteria and plaque which cause gum disease.
To keep your mouth healthy:
•Brush for two to three minutes, twice a day, with fluoridated toothpaste. Be sure to brush along the gum line.
•Floss daily to remove plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach. Use a mouthwash to reduce plaque by up to 20 percent.
•Eat a healthy diet to provide essential nutrients (vitamins A and C, in particular).
•Avoid cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.
For a healthy mouth, make sure a trip to the dentist is your number 1 priority can play a major role in preventing gum disease.
Speak to our friendly team on 0116 2891317 to schedule yourself a dental health check