At Three Rivers Dental Group, our number one priority is patient health. Poor oral hygiene can not only damage the gums and teeth, it can negatively impact overall wellness and heart health. Here’s how proper oral care keeps a mouth healthy and heart safe.
A 2018 study by the American Heart Association found that people who did not brush their teeth twice daily for at least two minutes were three times more likely to develop heart disease. Dr. Ann Bolger, a cardiologist and professor of medicine emeritus at the University of California, San Francisco, notes this latest research “is a good reminder that the mouth is an important part of a person’s entire health and simple, daily behaviors that improve health are incredibly important.”
This is not the first time oral hygiene has been associated with affecting heart and dental health. Certain heart valve infections are also linked to poor oral health. The American Heart Association publication, Hypertension, reports gum disease typically increases blood pressure.
Heart disease is a serious condition with many critical outcomes. From angina and atrial fibrillation to complete cardiac arrest or heart failure, the effect oral hygiene has on overall heart health is astounding. Many symptoms of heart disease cannot be reversed and could lead to death. Preventative care is the only way to ensure your heart is safe and healthy. Take matters into your own hands and make it a resolution for 2020 to take your oral health, heart health, and overall health seriously. Set a timer or play a song to ensure that you’re hitting that two-minute mark for brushing teeth. Floss every single day, and if that seems daunting, try using floss picks or air/water flossing tools. Lastly, remember to replace your toothbrush regularly.
A daily oral care routine coupled with professional teeth cleaning services from qualified dentists, like those at Three Rivers Dental Group, will keep your mouth healthy and teeth strong. Only professional dental cleanings can remove plaque and calculus (hardened plaque) from those hard-to-reach places and prevent cavities and gum disease. Regular dental cleaning appointments should be made about every six months, and if prone to cavities, opt for a professional fluoride treatment. Patients experiencing health issues are encouraged to visit more frequently for oral health care services.
Get a head start on improving your mouth and heart health. Kick-off the new decade by scheduling a Three Rivers Dental Group teeth cleaning appointment today! We are conveniently located in Greentree, Cranberry, Greensburg, and Jennerstown.