When it comes to your oral health, you know the, well, drill. If you don’t care for your teeth, there’s a good chance you’re going to get cavities, periodontal disease, a root canal, or even need an extraction. The good news is with good oral hygiene, you can ward off many of these problems before they become painful or costly issues down the road.
But what many people may not realize is that your oral health is closely tied to your body’s overall health, including your heart. In fact, oral health can contribute to many illnesses, like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Recent data even shows that upwards of 50 percent of heart attacks could be caused by periodontal disease and bacteria! This statistic is all the more concerning when you consider that according to go data, half of all people will experience some type of periodontal disease by age 34!
Now, a study published in the European Journal of Preventative Cardiology has found that those who are able to improve their oral health had lower instances of atrial fibrilation than those who did not.
So, what can you do to reduce your risk of atrial fibrillation? The first step is your exam with Dr. Abelar. Dr. Abelar can assess the condition of your teeth and gums and make recommendations for your oral care routine, including dental intervention like scaling and planing, or fillings, crowns, or root canals. He can also recommend products, including prescription products, to get your teeth and gums back into shape.
But don’t forget to care for those teeth and gums at home! Brushing twice a day for two minutes each time, flossing at least once per day, tongue scraping, and using a mouth wash are all great ways to improve and maintain excellent oral health, and in turn protect your heart.
If you are at all concerned about your heart health, contact your physician and be honest about your health habits. Are you brushing and flossing enough? Do you eat a healthy diet? Do you limit alcoholic beverages? Are you a smoker? Do you exercise? All of these factors can contribute to your heart health, and some can even improve your overall health – especially quitting smoking.
If you are concerned about your oral health or are ready to schedule your exam, speak to Dr. Abelar’s office today.
