Does cardiovascular disease run in your family? If you’re concerned that your heart may be at risk for serious damage, you might immediately think of ways to change your diet and incorporate more exercise into your daily routine. But have you considered your smile? If you want to learn how to keep your heart healthy with your smile, a dentist shares four things you can do to enjoy longer life and vibrant, beautiful pearly whites.
What Can You Do to Minimize Your Risk of Heart Disease and Bad Oral Health?
It might seem like a challenge to take proper care of your heart and your mouth, but it’s not. While certain factors may be out of your control (i.e., genetic predisposition), there are certain steps you can take to reduce your risk and keep your teeth and gums healthy, some of which include:
Maintaining optimal oral health
Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes, flossing at least once, and rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash are essential to minimizing the build-up of plaque and tartar-causing decay. Instead of negating your oral hygiene routine in the mornings and evenings, take the time to treat your teeth and gums with the care they deserve. This will reduce your chances of gum disease, which is closely connected to heart disease.
Keep six-month appointments with your dentist
Your dentist is your ally in the fight against tooth decay and gum disease. This is why it is necessary to keep your twice-yearly appointments with a dental professional. Their advanced technologies make it easy to pinpoint problem areas before they worsen, giving you the chance to take better care of your smile year-round and avoid the potential for serious health complications along the way.
Stop smoking and using tobacco products
Nicotine found in cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other forms of tobacco is detrimental to your overall health. Not only does it damage your heart and lungs, but it also causes negative cognitive decline. Smoking and tobacco use are also known to increase your chances of oral cancer and gum disease. Heart attacks and strokes are not uncommon among individuals who smoke, so if you want to lower your risk, improve the state of your smile, and keep your heart beating healthily, ask your dentist about cessation resources that are currently available.
Identify your risk factors
Whether it is your age, diet, physical ability (or lack thereof), or family history, make sure that you inform your dentist and local physician of these factors. This can help to better prepare treatment plans and offer solutions to minimize the potential for worsening heart health. It will also provide your dentist with a clearer idea of how to care for your teeth and gums.
In celebration of American Heart Month this February, give your heart and your smile the attention they deserve. Using the tips provided, you can feel more confident knowing that you’re doing everything you can to take better care of your overall health.
About the Practice
Blue Coast Dental Group consists of a team of dentists who care about more than just a patient’s smile. Because the mouth and body are closely connected, it is important that careful attention be paid to patients’ teeth and gums but also their heart, brain, and other vital organs. By offering helpful oral health tips to minimize the potential for serious harm and injury to other areas of the body, we encourage all patients to pay close attention to signs or symptoms that may cause alarm. To learn more about how we can help you achieve better wellness, call (310) 424-3100 or visit our website.