Poor Oral Hygiene and Cardiovascular Diseases

Maintaining healthy heart habits requires far more than just brushing your teeth. However, brushing your teeth can play an important role in your heart health according to mounting research. According to multiple studies, those who suffer from severe gum disease, which is linked to poor oral hygiene, are more likely to suffer a heart attack. Dr. Afar, Los Angeles dentist, encourages his patients to brush their teeth after meals or at least twice daily, floss daily and visit twice a year for a professional cleaning and dental exam.

Gum disease is directly linked to poor oral hygiene and leads to high levels of C-reactive protein, which is produced in response to the infection in the gums. In one Harvard study, women with high levels of C-reactive protein had a four times higher risk of having a heart attack than other women did. Poor oral hygiene can also increase your risk of tooth loss. According to the CDC in Atlanta, 12 percent of those who are missing all their teeth, 11 percent of those missing more than six teeth, and 7 percent of those who are missing more than one tooth are likely to suffer from heart disease.

Establishing a good dental hygiene routine can be one way to help protect your heart, particularly if you already suffer from heart disease. Brush your teeth and floss as directed. Visit our dentist on a recommended schedule, and talk to our dentist about your heart health. You may need antibiotics before treatment in order to further protect your heart.

Contact us today to schedule your next checkup with Dr. Afar, Los Angeles periodontist.