Dental Care Can Promote Good Heart Health
The proven benefits that regular dental care has on a patient’s teeth, gums, and overall oral health should be enough to convince anyone to maintain a schedule of twice annual dental exams and cleanings. But if that information doesn’t have you convinced, studies now show that oral health is also directly linked to physical health and heart health, meaning that dental care can also have a positive impact on the health of a patient’s heart and body. Dr. John P. Goodman offers a comprehensive range of general dentistry services that promote the health of the teeth and gums, both of which can help a patient avoid an increased risk of heart disease and heart attack. For our patients in Kansas City, dental care and heart health should both be made a priority in order to encourage happy, healthy living.
How Dental Care Affects Heart Health
General dentistry services are meant to keep the teeth and gums healthy by keeping bacteria levels in the mouth low and by preventing the build-up of harmful plaque and tartar. When signs of oral complications such as tooth decay or gum disease are present, Dr. Goodman takes a more aggressive approach to eliminate bacteria, remove damaged tooth enamel, and treat infection in order to restore oral health and do away with the side effects that are likely to develop as a result of oral health complications (which include oral pain, inflammation, gum recession, and loose teeth).
Both general, preventative, and restorative dental treatments also serve to reduce a person’s risk of heart disease and heart attack. This is because the presence of oral health problems, and specifically periodontal disease, has been directly linked to an increased risk of heart attack and poor heart health. This is likely due to the high level of bacteria that can get into the blood stream in those who suffer from gum disease, and/or the inflammation that often develops in those who suffer from gum disease, both of which increase the likelihood of blood clot formation (and, therefore, heart problems). To improve oral health and prevent heart health risks, the following dental services can be beneficial to patients:
- Routine dental exams and cleanings
- Fluoride treatments
- Dental fillings and dental crowns
- Periodontal scaling (a deep cleaning of the teeth and gum line)
All of the above dental treatments can minimize the presence of bacteria, plaque, and tartar, and nurture strong, healthy teeth and gums that will, in turn, promote good heart and body health.
Schedule an Appointment
There is no question that high quality, professional dental care has a greatly positive impact on a person’s oral health. Additionally, regular dental care and good oral health can enhance a person’s physical well-being and improve heart health. For all of these reasons and more, dental care should be a regular part of any person’s healthcare routine. If you are due for a regular exam or cleaning and want to ensure that you are being cared for by one of the best, schedule an appointment with Dr. John P. Goodman at your earliest convenience. We look forward to meeting you!
