You have probably heard that the health of your teeth is closely associated with your body’s health.
With more research scientists have discovered that oral health and overall health are closely linked, and when you don’t take care of your teeth, the rest of your body could be at a higher risk for some severe diseases such as heart conditions.
The Link Between Plaque in Your Teeth and Plaque in Your Arteries
As dental professionals, our goal is to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible, but some patients are reticent for many reasons. Dentistry has become more critical with discoveries that link dental conditions with other health problems such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes. With this knowledge, one of our primary goals is to keep our patients – as healthy as possible.
Many patients avoid visiting us because they feel like we are lecturing them when we tell them about how important it is to care for their teeth. In some cases, the visits stop altogether, and this is extremely concerning. Being informed of new information about your oral health is key in staying healthy.
Scientific research indicates the strong possibility that tartar buildup could be a symptom of heart attack. Along with other things such as genetics, overall health, weight, and other considerations, we may recommend additional testing and monitoring.
One of the most alarming statistics in dentistry is that approximately 70-percent of adults suffer from gum disease, which is an inflammation of the gums. This could also indicate the presence of heart disease and increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke. While evidence of a link is there, we have no conclusive study that suggests gum disease can cause a heart attack. More research is needed to determine precisely how the two conditions affect each other, but our goal is to keep your mouth healthy, so you reduce your risk for other diseases in the rest of your body.
