By Arthur Kezian

Your toothbrush can be just as effective as exercising can be to keep your heart healthy! You might think that sounds silly, but in reality, there have been many studies that show a link between oral health concerns and heart problems.

You many be wondering what oral health concerns are. Well, for starters, periodontal disease (or gum disease) is a big oral health concern. This disease ranges from inflammation of the gums to more serious conditions that can give major damage to your gums, soft tissue, and bone that support your teeth. In extreme cases, gum disease can lead to tooth loss.

Now, you may be wondering how these oral problems can be concerning for your heart. Well, your mouth is part of your body and not taking care of it means not taking care of your body. The bacterium that collects in your mouth and around your gums can enter your bloodstream through your gums! This bacterium can then bunch up in plaques found in arteries. Bacteria, as it travels through the bloodstream, can also stick to fatty plaques and contribute to blockages.

One other study revealed that the bacteria in the bloodstream can cause blood cells to swell up because your body is trying to defend itself. During this defense, inflammation occurs. This inflammation of the blood cells can lead to risks of clots or arteries narrowing down.

Although none of these studies are confirmed 100%, they are still very important because they DO show a connection between gum disease and heart disease. So, next time you pick up your toothbrush, know that you are holding something very important … even if it’s just a couple of dollars!

Ask your dentist what he/she thinks about the correlation between gum disease and heart disease. If you have any questions regarding the information on this article, feel free to call our dental office today at 323 467 2777!

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777