Regular, thorough brushing does more for your health than just give you a beautiful smile. Many people don’t realize that the condition of your oral health plays a huge role in your overall health. At David C. Wood Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we make sure all our patients are aware of the benefits of maintaining good oral hygiene – and of the problems that could emerge if a dental issue is left untreated.
Periodontal Disease Can Hurt Your Heart
The mouth is a window into the health of the body. When a person is struggling with infections, malnutrition, or disease, symptoms can appear early on in the mouth. For example, scurvy claimed the lives of thousands of sailors in the past, which is caused by a deficiency of vitamin C. One of the first symptoms is sores in the mouth.
If a tooth cavity is left untreated, it can lead to periodontal disease. This disease damages gums, which creates gaps where bacteria can grow and enter your bloodstream. Once in your bloodstream, bacteria can travel to your arteries. When bacteria harden in arteries, they restrict blood flow, leading to heart disease. Heart disease is a chronic, incurable condition.
There are many other contributing factors to developing heart disease – unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, smoking, etc. But by maintaining good oral health, you can eliminate the chance that periodontal disease will be a factor.
Protect Your Teeth AND Your Heart
Brush your teeth twice a day and visit David C. Wood Cosmetic and Family Dentistry once a year to prevent gum inflammation or tooth decay issues that could lead to heart problems. Good dental care isn’t just for shiny bright teeth – it’s a first step of defense in protecting your heart. Contact our friendly team for meticulous and gentle services in Carmel, IN. Request an appointment by calling today at (317) 844-0592.