Creative Smiles Dentistry Celebrates Healthy Hearts and Healthy Gums During the Month of February ❤️
Did you know that February is Gum Disease Awareness Month as well as American Heart Month? It seems appropriate that we recognize gum disease and our heart during the month of love. Let us explain to you why.
According to the French Romantic writer, George Sand, “There is only one happiness in this life, to LOVE and BE LOVED.” Indeed, to love and to be loved is one of the greatest gifts we can give to each other and most especially ourselves. The month of February recognizes that our heart is what beats and gives us life so we can be with our loved ones and friends. It is our heart that gives us the energy to take those walks around our neighborhood, to stay active with our children and play those rounds of golf and pickleball with our friends. It is our heart that helps us to be the best we can be so we can stay up late and binge watch on Netflix or splurge on items on Amazon. It is our heart that gives us the strength and life to be where we are today and if we continue to take care of it as it has been taking care of us, we can continue our current lifestyle, or better yet, improve the quality of life.
And, yet, gum disease, which numerous studies have shown is a risk factor for heart disease and is directly linked to arterial inflammation, is prevalent and affects the quality of millions of Americans. According to the American Academy of Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH), more than 80% of Americans have gum disease and more than 80 million American have one or more types of cardiovascular disease.
There are 22 types of cardiovascular disease, including:
- Hypertensive heart disease
- Rheumatic heart disease
- Ischemic heart disease
- Cerebrovascular heart disease
- Inflammatory heart disease
- Atherosclerosis
Studies have shown that bacteria from gum (periodontal) disease travel from the mouth into the blood stream and directly cause systemic or overall body inflammation. This systemic and chronic or long-term inflammation damages the blood vessel linings. This damage is the first step towards a heart attack and/or stroke. In response to the gum disease, proinflammatory mediators are released which increases insulin resistance. This increase in insulin resistance also causes the damage to the arterial walls. Plaque formation also increases in vulnerability and directly increases the risk for a cardiovascular event.
Did you also know that tooth loss also increases the risk for coronary heart disease?
We at Creative Smiles can provide you the knowledge and tools to help you prevent and treat gum disease, protect and save your teeth, and maintain and improve the health of your heart and your life. Our state-of-the-art technology includes digital x-rays, 3D imaging and dental lasers. Dental lasers are known to detoxify the gums and reduce the bacteria in your mouth and body, improve the healing process and minimize detrimental inflammation. Our technology combined with our top-notch skills and gentle care in a fun and family setting can help your heart stay healthy. Reach out to us today and find out how we can help you as well as your loved ones so we can continue to give love and receive love.
Written by Drs. Jeannie and Sung Ju
