Healthy Mouth, Healthy Heart

You know that regular brushing and flossing can help keep your mouth healthy, but did you know that a healthy mouth could also mean a healthy heart? Each February, Americans observe American Heart Month, a time to educate ourselves about the risks associated with heart disease and analyze our own habits. At my dental office in Rochester, we’d like to do our part and talk about the connection between mouth and heart.

The Connection Between Mouth and Heart

When we talk about the connection between mouth and heart, the first thing that comes to mind is gum disease. Gum disease is a dangerous disease that, if left untreated, can lead to heart concerns. According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), gum disease has a direct correlation to an increased risk for heart attacks. What’s more, many whole-body problems tend to show the very first warning signs in the mouth, which makes regular appointments with your dentist in Rochester even more important.

Know the Signs

Keeping your mouth healthy and gum disease free is important for not only the life of your smile, but for your heart, too. Some of the symptoms of gum disease include:

• Swollen, red, or tender gums
• Bleeding while brushing or flossing
• Consistently bad breath
• Chronic bad taste in the mouth
• Loose teeth
• Gums that appear to be pulling away from the teeth

Putting Your Heart at Risk

Besides maintaining a healthy mouth, there are additional ways you can decrease your risk of heart disease by changing a few lifestyle factors. Although making any considerable life changes is daunting, it’s important to keep trying. Some habits that put the heart at risk include:

• Smoking
• Poor Diet
• Lack of Exercise

If your lifestyle factors put you at risk for heart disease, or if any of the signs of gum disease sound familiar to you, call my Rochester dental office right away. Early detection of gum disease not only means a quicker treatment plan, but can also help keep your heart healthy. Don’t put your heart at risk.

Accepting patients from Rochester, Brighton, Pittsford, and nearby towns.

About The Author

Dr. William Hurtt

Dr. William Hurtt is a highly respected dentist with over 20 years of dedicated service in the field of dentistry. With a passion for delivering exceptional patient care, Dr. Hurtt combines his extensive knowledge with the latest advancements in dental technology. He earned his Doctor of Medicine in Dentisry degree from Temple University School of Dentistry and has since been committed to continuing education to stay at the forefront of dental innovations.

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