How Does dental health affect your heart?

Gum Disease can affect your health, and over time, it may increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

How?  Dr. Snyder adds, “Bacteria that cause periodontal disease can release toxins into or travel through the bloodstream and help fatty plaques in the arteries.”

What is the Connection between the heart and the mouth?

Since the mouth is connected to the rest of the body, infections that start there don’t stay there. In other words, dental health can contribute to overall health, including heart health.

As a General Dentist, Dr. Snyder recommends having dental checkups every six months if there is no gum disease. However, if gum disease is present, Dr. Snyder recommends more frequent checkups.

Preventing heart disease is a commitment to overall health, including oral health. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is considered the number one killer in the United States.

Up to 91% of patients with heart disease have gum disease, which often goes undiagnosed, but it affects roughly 80% of all Americans.

Gum Disease and Heart Disease

This is caused by poor oral care. Dr. Snyder adds, “One symptom is when your gums are red or swollen. They may also frequently bleed when you brush your teeth.”

Dr. Snyder adds, “Having a healthy smile can lead to a healthy heart, and if you are concerned about your heart health, you may want to take a hard look at your oral health as well. You’ll be glad you did.”