Have you ever seen a house sitting on a shifting foundation? Cracks run down the walls, and doors stick in their frames. However, once discovered, the source of all of the problems throughout the house can be traced back to a single problem. The human body often works the same way. Just as a house is made up of many parts, your body is made up of interconnected systems, and like the house sitting on the shifting foundation, some health concerns may be linked together. Recently, doctors have begun to discuss the connection between heart disease and gum disease. But do the two impact one another? Your Brighton dentist, Dr. Thomas Villani, discusses the possible link.
Gum Disease and Heart Disease
Gum disease and heart disease share commonalities in a couple of ways. First, the same bacteria that are present in gum disease are also present in heart disease. Second, both health problems deal with inflammation. Arteries harden because of an inflammatory process, and gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums. These two shared characteristics have led doctors to a tentative conclusion that heart disease and gum disease may be linked. Doctors have also found that gum disease patients are more likely to develop clogged arteries, suffer from strokes, and develop coronary artery disease.
Fighting Against Gum Disease
Because our bodies’ systems are so interconnected, maintaining good oral health is an important part of ensuring overall health. To maintain a healthy mouth, follow a consistent and thorough homecare regimen. Brush twice a day and floss once. Also, be sure that you eat a balance diet to ensure proper nutrition for your body and mouth. Lastly, be sure to visit your Brighton dentist, Dr. Villani, every six months for regular checkups and cleanings.
Visit your Brighton Dentist
In addition to a good homecare routine, regular dental visits are a vital part of a complete oral health regimen. Neglecting your teeth can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems. To find out if your dental health is at risk, contact our dental office in Brighton. You can schedule a dental consultation with Dr. Villani by calling Brighton Family Dental Group at (617) 562-5210. We proudly serve patients from Watertown, Cambridge, Brookline, Newton, Brighton, and the 02135 area.
