Healthy Hygiene, Healthy Heart
Believe it or not, how you take care of your teeth and gums affects not only your oral health, but it impacts your cardiovascular health, too. Although scientists are not certain of the precise relationship between the heart and oral hygiene, studies consistently demonstrate a link.
It's possible that a mouth filled with bacteria and their toxins allows a continuous stream of poisons to enter the system. If the bacteria reach your arteries, they may cause the same kind of irritation they caused in your gums and mouth. Arterial wall irritations typically result in a buildup of protective plaque, which in turn can harden, thus blocking blood flow. Without sufficient blood flow, your heart can easily have a myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack. Furthermore, loosened arterial plaque can travel through the bloodstream, reach your brain, and cause a stroke.
Prevention & Detection
One way we can fight this situation is to use a special bacterial neutralizing rinse immediately after dental procedures to reduce the possibility of bacteria entering your bloodstream. However, healthy mouth and gums are your best defense, so keep a regimen of daily brushing and flossing and regular dental visits twice a year. Remember, gum disease and oral cancer are silent but serious problems that may go unnoticed without professional exams.
Located in West Monroe, Dr. Scott’s full-service dental office has served patients from Monroe, Ruston, Rayville, Farmerville, Columbia, South Arkansas, and greater North Louisiana for three decades. Because of his consistent excellence, Dr. Scott is the 67th dentist in the U.S. to receive The Academy of General Dentistry highest honor of Lifetime Learning and Service Recognition Award. Less than 100 dentists in the United States have been granted this award. This prestigious LLSR award symbolizes a dentist’s dedication to remain current in the art and science of dentistry and to “give back” in service to the community of man. Call our West Monroe dental office today to reserve your consultation with Dr. King Scott and our compassionate team of dental professionals.