Protecting Your Smile & Your Heart

While we all know that it’s important to take care of your mouth, research suggests that your Boise dental health has an even bigger impact on your life than you even realize. At Summit Dental Group, we provide general dentistry treatments that not only help our patients maintain their smile but improve their overall health as well. We pride ourselves in helping our patients (big or small) enjoy their beautiful smiles in addition to an excellent quality of life. We consider our patients as members of our family, and we are committed to educating you about the connection between your Boise dental health and your general wellness. Below is some information linking dental care to your heart health:

Gum Disease

Plaque is known to coat your teeth in bacteria, increasing your risk for cavities but did you know that it can also develop beneath your gums causing periodontal infections? There are two stages of gum disease & the first is gingivitis. People with gingivitis develop swelling gum tissue that is tender. A sign that you might suffer from this condition is bleeding caused from flossing. If caught early, gingivitis can be easily treated with improved Boise dental hygiene. However, if left untreated, gingivitis (gum disease) can progress into periodontitis – an advanced condition of gingivitis in which the gums actually begin to pull away from the teeth forming pockets of harmful bacteria. Periodontitis then leads to either tooth loss, systemic infection, or both. This form of gum disease may require more intensive treatments such as deep cleaning, or in severe cases, oral surgery.

Periodontal & Cardiac Health

Health studies suggest there is a correlation between cardiac (heart) health and periodontal (gum) health. Patients who suffer from gum disease are more likely to have heart conditions compared to those who dont. The Academy of General Dentistry has actually found that patients with persistent periodontal infections are more vulnerable to heart attacks. In addition, a report from the Journal of the American Heart Association has reported that subjects who lost teeth to periodontitis were 57% more likely to suffer from a potentially life-threatening stroke. While researchers still don’t fully understand the relationship between oral health and heart disease, they do however believe it can be the result of systemic inflammation and infection.

How to Protect Your Heart Health

While the studies on Boise dental care and your heart health can be sobering, they also allow you to take simple yet effective steps for preventing your risk. Your Boise dentist suggests taking the following steps to keep your gums clean and healthy:

• Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day.
• Floss your teeth between meals, or at least once per day. *This is especially important because flossing is the only way to remove unwanted plaque between teeth and beneath the gum tissue.
• Visit your Boise dentist for biannual cleanings and exams. During your visit, your Boise dentist will assess your gums for any swelling or other signs of gum disease. If you happen to be diagnosed with periodontal infection, don’t panic, he can prescribe you with an appropriate treatment to address this condition.

In conclusion, the first step to improving your well being is to understand what influences it. To learn more about gum disease and your cardiovascular health, contact our office today to schedule an appointment with your Boise dentist.