Can Gum Disease Cause Heart problems?

Your heart and your teeth might not look related at first glance. However, upon further inspection, you’ll notice that the state of your oral health can have life-changing effects on your cardiovascular system. Your dentist in Lutz, FL, can explain why having gum disease can be detrimental to your heart and what you can do to prevent any related health issues. 

How Do Your Teeth Affect Your Heart?

When you don’t prioritize the health of your smile, you open a window of opportunity for dangerous bacteria to live in your mouth and leave plaque and tartar around your teeth and gums. If the tissue surrounding your pearly whites swells, bleeds, and recedes, you might be in for a case of gum disease. This problem lets bacteria travel from your mouth to your bloodstream and into your heart, inflaming its vessels and increasing your chances of strokes and heart attacks.

Luckily, there’s much you can do to protect your teeth and, in turn, your heart.

What Can You Do to Enhance Your Oral Health?

Brush Properly

Knowing how to use your toothbrush is the first step toward a safe smile and heart. Get a soft-bristled toothbrush, tilt it at a 45-degree angle, and gently clean your teeth and tongue for at least two minutes. Repeat this routine after you wake up, and before you go to bed to remove as much plaque, food remains, and bacteria as possible.

Use Floss

Flossing might be tedious, but it’s as important as brushing. Use floss between your teeth to get plaque out of places your toothbrush can’t reach.

Visit Your Dentist

Scheduling a dentist appointment once every six months is the final piece to solving the dental health puzzle. Dental professionals can catch any problems early and keep your mouth as spotless as it can be. 

Do You Need to See a Dentist in Lutz, FL?

Gum disease can cause heart problems in the long run, but you can prevent it by brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist. Call us today for a check-up!