We know that brushing and flossing your teeth, and eating a healthy diet promotes good oral health, but can it also help to reduce your risk for heart disease? Maybe so. Did you know that the plaque that builds up on the surfaces of your teeth and gums is the same plaque found in the arteries of patients who suffer from cardiovascular disease?
When plaque builds up on the surfaces of your teeth and gums, it can cause serious dental problems such as cavities and gum disease. Brushing twice daily and flossing at least once daily helps to prevent the build up of plaque and the problems associated with it. However, once the plaque has been allowed to build up and has hardened into Tartar, it is hard to remove using a toothbrush and floss. Many times, it must be removed by a dental hygienist using special dental instruments. This is why getting regular dental cleanings is so important. It is recommended that most patients receive a professional dental cleaning every six months. If you have oral health issues such as tooth decay or gum disease, you may need to have your teeth professionally cleaned more frequently.
Your diet also has a significant effect on both your oral health and your cardiovascular health. Eating a well-balanced diet that is high in fiber and nutrient-rich foods such as whole grains and vegetables and low in sugar and starches helps to prevent dental health problems such as tooth decay and gum disease and cardiovascular problems such as, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Have you stopped to consider the relationship between your oral health and your cardiovascular health? Your oral health may be a good indicator of your cardiovascular health. If you are currently experiencing problems with your oral health, you may want to take a closer look at both your diet and your dental hygiene. It may also be a good idea to schedule a physical exam with a qualified physician to see what is going on with your cardiovascular system.
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