Did you know that your at-home dental care alone is not going to eliminate the high-risk bacteria in your mouth? In addition to a proper homecare routine, there are various methods to effectively reduce oral pathogens, such as first detecting any high-risk oral pathogens in your mouth with a saliva test. As well as a comprehensive dental appointment at a minimum of every six months.
Oral pathogens can affect the cardiovascular system when they enter the bloodstream–this may lead to plaque buildup in the arteries. Up to 50% of heart attacks and strokes are triggered by oral pathogens. Plaque can clog your arteries, increasing your risk of chronic diseases and illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and more.
February is American Heart Month, and there is a significant correlation between oral and heart health. According to the American Heart Association, taking care of your teeth can impact your heart health by reducing your chances of having a heart attack–the number one killer in the United States–by 50%.
Therefore, to ensure your cardiovascular system is in the best condition, it is imperative that you keep your mouth clean, pathogen-free, and healthy. Continue reading to discover a few helpful oral and heart health tips!
Create a Proper Oral Hygiene Regimen
Your oral hygiene routine should entail brushing for a minimum of two minutes with a Sonic toothbrush and interdental cleaning (e.g., flossing or Waterpik) twice a day.
Studies have shown that electronic toothbrushes clean teeth and gums more efficiently than manual toothbrushes, due to the rotating toothbrush head. For instance, the vibration from a Sonic electric toothbrush can disrupt the bacteria under the gum line. An electric toothbrush removes plaque from your tooth surfaces, decreasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Don’t forget to replace your toothbrush (or the brush head) every three months, or earlier–when bristles become frayed or after you have been sick. A worn-out toothbrush loses its effectiveness to remove plaque and harmful bacteria, making you more susceptible to periodontal disease.
Another way to reduce harmful bacteria in your mouth is the usage of antibacterial gel and trays. Consider asking your dentist to make you customized trays to hold antibacterial gel, such as Perio Protect Trays. Wearing the trays can help decrease the risk of gum disease while freshening your breath.
Determine Your Risk
You can determine if there are high-risk oral pathogens in your mouth with salivary diagnostics. If you have harmful bacteria, we can track your levels and types of high-risk bacteria. This is essential information to accurately and effectively treat periodontal disease–decreasing your risk of chronic inflammatory illnesses and diseases, such as heart disease.
After partaking in a saliva test, consider a simple, noninvasive cardiovascular screening tool, Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Test (CIMT), to locate any plaque formation and inflammation in your arteries, for a better understanding of your heart health.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Food containing high amounts of sugar can negatively impact your teeth and heart. Bacteria within the plaque will utilize sugar as energy, increasing the production of acids that can erode and weaken your teeth’s outer layer, known as enamel. It can also create an environment for high-risk bacteria to grow and thrive. These acids can cause cavities, tooth decay, periodontal disease, and much more.
Due to the consequences of high sugar intake, it is essential to have a well-balanced diet to prevent the development of tooth decay and gum disease as well as chronic inflammatory conditions.
Show Love to Your Teeth: Schedule Your Comprehensive Dental Care in Central Ohio Today!
Complete Health Dentistry of Columbus, Ohio, offers personalized dental care, from complete health dentistry, cosmetic, to restorative dentistry services. Whether you need a saliva test, periodontal therapy, implant restoration, or veneers, you’ve chosen the right place! With every patient, we discuss your oral health risk factors for these systemic diseases and develop a personalized, proactive, holistic health care plan.
At your next comprehensive appointment, ask your dental hygienist for salivary diagnostic testing to test for high-risk oral bacteria, as well as a CIMT– a 20-minute, noninvasive ultrasound scan that looks at the arteries through the neck to detect the presence and buildup of plaque.
We are sharing our love with this special offer that expires THIS MONTH. Our CIMT scan is currently $199 (valued at $285), schedule your appointment today by calling us at (614) 412-0916.