February is American Heart Month and February 4th is National Wear Red Day which raises awareness of heart disease with the aim to help eradicate heart disease and stroke in millions of women all over the nation. With heart disease being the leading cause of death in the U.S., it’s a great opportunity to cast light on the connection of your oral health to your heart health.
Your Oral Health and Heart Disease
Your gums (the soft tissue that supports your teeth) are the gateway to the rest of your body. If your gums are unhealthy, bacteria and other germs from your mouth can move through your bloodstream and attach themselves to your heart. This causes inflammation which can lead to serious issues such as infections and clogged arteries which can lead to heart disease or strokes.
How Can You Improve Your Gum Health?
Dr. Reyes encourages his patients to take the following precautions to reduce the likelihood of developing gum disease:
Brush and floss at least twice a day or ideally after every meal
Visit Dr. Reyes’ dental practice in Lorton twice a year for an exam and professional cleaning
Get to know the warning signs of gum disease — red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums, loose teeth or big gaps between your teeth, and any pus or signs of infection around your gums
By taking these three steps, it means that you can mitigate any risks of infection or gum disease to reduce the likelihood of these issues escalating into very serious issues. Dr. Reyes and the team at Reyes Dental Group can spot early signs of gum disease so it’s important to visit regularly and if you have any concerns, make an appointment as soon as possible.
Great oral health is not only important for aesthetic reasons, but it’s a big indicator of your health in general. Therefore it’s important to look after your teeth and understand their true value. Don’t delay — make an appointment today!