It’s not easy to say if you are at risk for heart disease, but recent research suggests that you ask your Dental Care Provider. Several studies conducted by Cardiologists, and by Periodontists (gum disease specialists) now suggest that there are several connections between dental health and heart disease. If you have gum disease, false teeth, or deteriorating teeth you are more likely to have heart disease. These studies suggest that keeping your mouth healthy is one of the keys to having a healthy heart. One of the most common was periodontal disease.Periodontal disease is a large amount of bacteria that is in the mouth. Many studies have revealed that people who need heart transplants, suffer heart attacks, or need heart surgery were more likely to have dental problems. You can’t get by with normal brushing and flossing because the gums can bleed and let the bacteria into the blood stream. This can cause bacteria to line up on the walls of your arteries, which leads to atherosclerosis and artery blockage. It can also cause bacterial endocarditis, which is a form of strep bacteria that causes vegetative matter to grow in the valves of your heart. Prevention is vital. This means flossing regularly & getting two teeth cleanings a year. If you are diagnosed with gum disease, you should check with your Dentist about antibiotic mouthwashes that can help remove bacteria from your mouth before flossing. At Dr. Ban R. Barbat’s office we can help keep your heart healthy and prevent health problems in your future.
