Healthy Teeth & Heart

Keep Your Heart Healthy

Did you know that taking good care of your teeth helps to keep your heart healthy? Numerous studies have shown connections between patients with poor dental and gum health and other diseases, heart disease in particular. Four connections are worthwhile to note:

• tooth loss patterns are connected to coronary heart disease

• poor dental health increases the risk of a bacterial infection in the blood stream, which can negatively affect the heart valves (very important information if you have artificial heart valves)

• gum disease, called periodontitis, is associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease

• there is a strong connection between diabetes and cardiovascular disease and evidence that people with diabetes greatly benefit from periodontal treatment

Please take excellent care of your teeth daily. Please brush at least twice, floss, and schedule twice-a-year appointments for professional cleanings and a check up.