Good dental health isn’t only necessary for our smile and mouth, it’s necessary for our heart and arteries. By taking proper care of your teeth and gums, you can decrease your chances of heart disease.
Brushing and flossing your teeth everyday is a must along with routine dental check-ups every 6 months. By avoiding your toothbrush or dentist, plaque starts to build up on your teeth and into your gums. Your gums become weak and may bleed when you brush your teeth. This can lead to gum disease and gingivitis. The bacteria that builds up in your gums can travel through your bloodstream into other parts of your body, increasing plaque in your arteries and damaging vessels and cells on the way.
Studies have shown that people with coronary artery disease have higher levels of periodontal bacteria in their system. This bacteria contains lipopolysaccharides, illness causing toxins. These toxins can also damage the cells that line the vessels, causing more harm to your body and heart health.
When we have oral infections, a certain protein is released into our bloodstream-C-reactive protein. Harvard researchers have studied the effects C-reactive proteins have on our bodies. They found that this protein is a good predictor of second heart attacks in cardiovascular patients. When the oral infection is treated, the levels of C-reactive protein decrease.
Smoking also increases the chances of oral bacteria entering the bloodstream. Smoking makes blood vessel linings stickier, which makes it easier for bacteria to stick to the vessel walls and build up. Smoking causes numerous health defects and cancers and should always be avoided.
Taking care of your mouth is an essential step in taking care of your body. With proper oral hygiene, your heart and body will benefit greatly. Your chances of heart disease will decrease and you’ll feel great with a beautiful smile, too.
