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Dental Health and Heart Disease
Several different studies conducted by cardiologists, and by dentists now suggest that there are several connections between dental health and heart disease. People with gum disease, with false teeth, or with deteriorating teeth are all much more likely to have heart disease.
This may suggest that keeping your mouth healthy is one of the keys to having a healthy heart.
One theory is that oral bacteria can affect the heart when they enter the blood stream, attaching to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels) and contributing to clot formation. Coronary artery disease is characterized by a thickening of the walls of the coronary arteries due to the buildup of fatty proteins. Blood clots can obstruct normal blood flow, restricting the amount of nutrients and oxygen required for the heart to function properly. A recent study examined the presence of bacteria known to cause severe chronic gum disease and the thickening of the blood vessel wall commonly seen in heart disease.
Youre Still At Risk Even If You Are a Denture Wearer
Another connection between dental health and heart disease is the theory that tooth loss may actually change the diet and cause poorer cardiovascular health. Either due to missing teeth, or poorly fitting dentures, people may not eat a diet as high in fiber. Softer foods may mean more fatty foods, and a significantly unbalanced diet, which increases risk of heart disease. Its thus important to get properly fitting replacement teeth or crowns as needed so you can consume recommended amounts of dietary fiber.
Dental disease has shown to increase not only your chances of heart disease, but also increase in stroke. There is current research that there might also be a link between gum disease and diabetes as well.
Total Health- The Oral Cavity/Body Link
In summary, seeing your dentist, even when you dont have any dental pain, is important to not only your oral health, but to your total body health. Your dentist can identify risk factors and recommend treatment options to control dental diseasecreating a healthier total you!
Information provided by www.LasCrucesAreaDentist.com
by: Gtz Young
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