Healthy Gums = Healthy Heart
Healthy Gums = Healthy Heart
Not everyone remembers to take care of their mouth and maintain it in top notch form. Besides being a vital part of your well being and some of the most used parts of your body, a great set of teeth are some of the first things that people notice when they meet you. A little known fact about the mouth is that it can have a profound and influential impact on the health of the rest of your body.
Did you know the bacteria in your mouth can lead to blood clots? Optimum dental health is important for the overall health of our bodies. People with periodontal disease are twice as likely to have a heart attack. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory process, which could lead to other types of inflammation in the body (especially in the lining of the blood vessels). Periodontal disease is also associated with poor wound healing, lung infections and premature/low-birth weight babies in mothers who have periodontal disease.
Brushing and flossing everyday controls the bacteria in the mouth which cause gingivitis and periodontal disease. It is essential to get regular dental care from your dentist, including check ups and cleanings at least every 6 months to ensure that the stubborn plaque is completely removed from the mouth on a regular basis. Regular dental care is even more important while undergoing orthodontic treatment, more frequent cleanings may be necessary for some patients that may struggle with their oral hygiene.
We all know that straight teeth are beautiful, but they are also easier to floss and easier for the hygienist to clean. People with crowded/crooked teeth have a higher incidence of periodontal disease, due to the fact access to cleaning the teeth is more difficult.
If you are concerned about the alignment of your teeth or if it is becoming difficult to floss due to crowding contact the American Association of Orthodontics.
Orthodontic treatment has had many advancements in the past few decades and it is very possible that treatment can be done without traditional braces, many orthodontists are able to correct crowded teeth with clear/ removable appliances like Invisalign or braces on the inside of the teeth. Orthodontics is not limited to children, adults who are looking for a more beautiful smile and a healthier mouth can also enjoy the benefits of orthodontic treatment.
If you would like to know more about mouth health and teeth, you can contact Amy Gimlen.
Amy A. Gimlen, DDS, MS completed her degree in Biochemistry at UCLA and continued to graduate Magna Cum Laude from UCLA dental school. She earned her Masters degree in Craniofacial Biology along with her Orthodontic degree from USC.