The Connection Between Oral Health and Your Heart

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As we celebrate Valentine’s Day with heart-shaped candies, cards, and decorations, have you thought about the health of your own heart? And did you know that there is a connection between oral health and heart disease?

In April 2012, the American Heart Association published a statement supporting an association between gum disease and heart disease. Gum disease, also referred to as periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. Gum disease is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. If you have gingivitis, your gums may become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is reversible and can usually be eliminated by a professional cleaning at your dental office, followed by daily brushing and flossing. When gum disease becomes more advanced, it is called periodontitis. Periodontitis can to the loss of tissue and bone that support the teeth and may become more severe over time resulting in tooth loss. It is estimated that 47.2% of adults over 30 in the United States have periodontitis.

Unfortunately, gum disease sometimes does not have any symptoms or warning signs, so people who have it may be unaware that the tissues and bone supporting their teeth are eroding away. This is one reason why regular dental cleanings and periodontal examinations are so important. The earlier we are able to identify gum disease, the earlier we can intervene and prevent the condition from progressing.

While the exact link between gum disease and heart disease remains undetermined, it is known that people with gum disease have a two to three times higher risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular event. Although we cannot prove that treating gum disease prevents heart disease, the connection is compelling enough that both dentists and doctors agree patients should strive to prevent developing gum disease. To avoid developing gum disease and maintain good oral health, the American Dental Association suggests:

  • Brushing twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.
  • Cleaning between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner.
  • Eating a balanced diet and limiting between-meal snacks.
  • Visiting your dentist regularly for oral examinations and professional cleanings.

Dr. Kristy Chandler

BACK TO SCHOOL DENTAL TIPS

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As another summer ends and a new school year approaches, many of us parents begin the task of preparing our children for their first day back to school. We shop for the necessary school supplies, we update their wardrobes, and we ensure they have the immunizations and booster shots necessary to continue in school. Children should also have a dental exam before returning to school to ensure they have a healthy mouth and the tools they need to maintain it. [Read more…]

No ice cream for these sensitive teeth!

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I love the warm weather of the approaching summertime – a time when my family enjoys the beautiful sunshine and eats cold watermelon and homemade ice cream outside on our back porch.  For people with sensitive teeth, however, this activity that my family so enjoys is not a treat.  Cold foods and beverages make their teeth ache.  [Read more…]

The Dangers of Thumbsucking

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thumbsucking Sucking is a natural instinct with which we are born.  Babies and small children use fingers, pacifiers, and other objects to soothe and comfort themselves.  Sucking is a normal, healthy part of our early development, but prolonged sucking – past the age of 4 – can cause a host of dental problems and may even indicate medical issues. [Read more…]

Snoring in Children – WARNING!

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Overnight guests in our home have joked about my husband’s snoring. His sleep study results call him a “heroic snorer” meaning he can snore in any position, but his snoring has not been found to be connected to sleep apnea or breathing issues. When children snore, however, it is no laughing matter.  A child may snore occasionally when he or she has a cold or is “stuffy,” but when a child snores regularly for more than just a week or two and is not ill, it may be a warning sign of sleep-disordered breathing which can lead to dental, behavioral, and health issues. [Read more…]

Fluoride (Preventing Tooth Decay)

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In 1909 a dentist in Colorado noticed that many children were developing brown spots on their teeth. Those children also had fewer cavities than children living in other areas. It was later discovered that these children, who were living at the base of Pike’s Peak, were receiving high concentrations of natural fluoride. As rain water ran down the mountain, fluoride was released from the rock and flowed into the town’s water reservoir. [Read more…]

Your Diet and Your Smile

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The foods you choose and how often you eat affect your general health as well as the health of your teeth and gums. Today, Americans are eating record numbers of sugary sodas, sweetened fruit drinks, and non-nutritious snacks, and over time these foods can make cavities in teeth. [Read more…]

Back-to-School Dental Emergencies

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FullSizeRenderIn my dental practice, I have seen many of my school-aged patients with front teeth painfully reshaped by monkey bars, the school’s tile floor, or even another child’s head.  So what is a parent to do when you get that call from the school? [Read more…]

A Beautiful Smile

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Often when I am asked to restore patients’ smiles, the patients ask for qualities that they think will make their smile perfect – smooth on the incisal (chewing) edge and white.  These qualities SOUND good, but in the mouth, they may not be so pleasing to the eye.  So what makes a smile beautiful?  Typically, the most esthetic qualities involve symmetry, a natural light color, and the appearance of health. [Read more…]

Cosmetic Options

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Right or wrong we often make assumptions about people based on what they wear, how they speak, or their posture. A confident, attractive smile also plays an important role in a person’s image. When you look good, you feel good, and if you’re pleased with your smile, you’re more likely to wear it! [Read more…]