Heart disease is the leading cause of death among adults in the United States. It claims roughly 610,000 lives each year! Because February is American Heart Month, you might be taking advantage of the occasion to contemplate how you can adjust your lifestyle to take better care of your heart. For example, you may have a plan in mind to eat more heart-friendly foods or exercise more often. You should also consider how you take care of your gums. In this post, we discuss how fighting gum disease in Branford can play a pivotal role in protecting your heart.
The Gum Disease-Heart Disease Correlation
One study, performed in 2016 at the Karolinska University Hospital in Sweden, concluded that gum disease increases the risk of a first heart attack by a staggering 28 percent. Other studies in recent years have also uncovered a strong correlation between gum disease and heart issues.
While scientists cannot definitively say that gum disease causes heart disease, they do have a theory as to why the correlation exists. It has to do with inflammation, which is the body’s natural response to harm. Short-term inflammation promotes healing, but chronic inflammation is dangerous. Gum disease increases the body’s burden of chronic inflammation. Over time, the inflammation can contribute to atherosclerosis (deposits of fatty plaques on the artery walls).
Keys to Preventing Gum Disease
Since preventing gum disease could decrease your risk of heart disease, you should do everything you can to care for your gums. Here are a few tips to help you protect this important pink tissue:
- Do not neglect oral hygiene. Twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing are absolutely essential. You should also drink plenty of water and rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Eat well. Antioxidant-rich foods and those that fight inflammation should be staples in your daily diet. Avocados, green tea, and berries are all known as having anti-inflammatory properties.
- Visit your dentist regularly. Most people should visit their dentist in Branford twice a year for a checkup. If your dentist notices any early signs of gum disease, you will be able to receive treatment before the problem becomes serious.
Fighting Gum Disease
According to some estimates, about half of the adults in the Unites States have some form of gum disease. If you are among that half, it is vital that you team up with your dentist to manage your condition. Periodontal therapy, which usually involves a deep cleaning treatment known as scaling and root planing, can get rid of harmful bacteria and give your gums an opportunity to heal.
There is a strong correlation between gum health and heart health. Doing all you can to fight gum disease may be a key to helping you live a long and healthy life.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Dean Cloutier is one of the leaders of the friendly and skilled team at New Haven Dental Group in Branford. He has many years of experience behind him, and he is always ready to help patients fight gum disease through preventive care and periodontal therapy. To learn more about Dr. Cloutier and the services we offer in our Branford clinic, contact our team today at 203-488-0091.