Studies show that there is a correlation between poor

oral health and heart disease…so, you may want to think twice before skipping or putting off your next scheduled dental check-up and cleaning.

Over the most recent years, there have been many cases that correlate heart disease with poor oral health. As a dental practice, this has become one of the main reasons why our staff at Design That Smile emphasize the need for a deep cleaning of your teeth and gums by our dental hygienist every 6 months, ​in addition to

your own at-home dental care. 

According to Robert H. Shmerling,

 MD of Harvard Health Publishing, “​Study after study has shown that people who have poor oral health (like gum disease or tooth loss) have higher rates of cardiovascular problems such as heart attack or stroke than people with good oral health.”

If you have a history of heart disease in your family, ​it is important

 to stay on top of your dental hygiene. Who knows… you may be the first in your family to break the cycle!

How Poor Dental Health Affects Your Heart

People with gum disease are two to three times MORE likely to experience some form of cardiac event caused by a bacterial infection that is released into your bloodstream.

 The bacterium released is the same kind that is found in fatty plaque that people with gum disease accumulate in their mouth over the years. In more simple terms, people with poor dental hygiene are “micro-dosing” their cardiovascular system every day with atherosclerosis and streptococcus sanguis– the hallmarks of coronary artery disease.

Prevention Now Can Help Prevent Serious Problems Later!

 (X-ray pic of patients teeth in beginning stages of periodontal)

At Design That Smile, our experienced, dedicated dental staff happily clean and examine more than eight patients daily. Within that group, at least half of those patients show early signs of gum (periodontal) disease. After their thorough cleaning and full exam, we always consciously remind them to: 

• Schedule a minimum of two 2 dental cleanings a year
• Brush at least two times a day: once at night, once in the evening.
• Floss at least once a day 
• Use fluoride mouthwash (unless instructed not to) after each brushing session

By following these four simple steps, you can prevent gum disease, thus preventing the nasty bacterium in your mouth that is known for aiding the risk for heart disease!