Dental Care and Heart Health: How They Are Linked

Dental Care and Heart Health: How They Are Linked

by Robert Rapisarda

Patients throughout the greater Boston area can count on Dr. Robert Rapisarda to provide exceptional dental care, with a focus on advanced general dentistry for total wellness. This means treating all problems great and small, because as you’re about to read, your dental health can have a major impact on your general health.

Your General Wellness and Dental Health Are Interlinked

It seems like a truism, but it’s worth repeating: your dental health can affect your general health and vice versa. The whole body is a system, and it’s important that you’re fully healthy and that everything is in proper working order. Issues with the health of your teeth or gums can lead to a number of health issues or might be the sign of a serious health issue.

This is why it’s always worthwhile to visit your dentist and your general practitioner for regular checkups. Any health issues you are facing can be addressed in a timely manner to prevent major problems down the road.

A Correlation Between Gum Disease and Heart Disease

Studies have found that there is a link between gum disease and cardiovascular issues, including increased risks of heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, and blood clots.

This isn’t to say that your gum disease means you’ll be suffering from a heart attack or a serious cardiovascular issue, but it does mean there is a greater potential for your heart health to be negatively impacted in some way.

Why are periodontal and cardiovascular health linked?

There are many reasons why this may be true, though researchers have yet to identify a single prevailing cause of this link.

For one, many people who smoke and use tobacco products have a tendency to suffer from gum disease as well as cardiovascular disease, which is why smoking is such a bad thing for your overall wellness.

Another possibility has to do with the oral bacteria that cause gum disease and how it leads to serious inflammation, which may increase a person’s risk of suffering from heart disease.

As more research is done and better info becomes available, we will be sure to share these matters on our blog.

Oral Hygiene Tips to Have the Healthiest Smile Possible

In order to prevent gum disease and keep your smile stay its healthiest, we recommend the following:

  • Stop using tobacco products or don’t start in the first place
  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day
  • Floss your teeth at least once a night
  • Drink water to stay well hydrated
  • Visit your dentist twice a year for checkups

General Wellness Tips to Stay Fit Well Into the Future

If you want to stay healthy for the years ahead, keep these tips in mind:

  • Stop using tobacco products or don’t start in the first place (it’s so important it’s worth repeating)
  • Exercise regularly
  • Eat a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Visit your doctor for your annual checkup

Learn More About Your Options for Advanced Dental Care

If you would like to find out how you can improve your dental health and enhance your general wellness in the process, we encourage you to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. Dr. Rapisarda and the entire dental care team looks forward to your visit and discussing these matters with you in much greater detail.

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