Heart disease is among the top causes of death for both men and women worldwide. Countless studies have been dedicated to finding out the causes of this fatal disease. But did you know that research has also found that there is a link between heart disease and your gum health?
According to a 2016 study conducted in Sweden, having gum disease increases the risk of getting a first heart attack by 28%.Heart disease and gum disease have some common risk factors that include poor nutrition, diabetes, and smoking, among others. Many researchers also believe that inflammation that is caused by periodontal disease may be attributed for the connection.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
Yet again, this old cliché proves to be true. Maintaining healthy habits can significantly lower your risk of both gum disease and heart disease. These strategies can help:
* Start (and stick to) a healthy diet. Make sure that your meals are rich in nutrients. Always include foods that contain vitamins A and E. Eliminate, or at least reduce sugar and starches, which are not only bad for your oral health but your overall health as well.
*Stop smoking! You know that this terrible habit can compromise your oral health, as well as your heart and lungs. Every time you light a cigarette, you are deliberately harming yourself and sometimes even those around you. Quit smoking before it destroys your gums and put you at a higher risk of heart disease.
*Brush and floss daily. Proper brushing is as important as doing it regularly. To make sure plaque and bacteria are removed, brush your teeth for at least two minutes. Do it in the morning and in the evening before bedtime. Don’t forget to floss! You should also pay extra attention to your oral hygiene if you are taking medicine because there are some that can increase the risk of gum disease. You can ask your doctor about it if you believe your medications are causing gum problems.
* Visit your physician and your dentist regularly. One way to avoid health problems is to have regular check-ups. Your doctor can perform tests to determine your health. Of course, regularly visiting Pickering Square Dental can help ensure that you don’t just have an amazingly white teeth but a healthy gum, too! Both your doctor and your dentist can tell you how often you should visit to help make sure you maintain optimal health.
