Link Between Oral Health and Heart Health

Oral health is important for your overall health! Many people are living with gum disease and don't even know it! Often patients feel fine as gum disease is not painful and they avoid going to the dentist.

Today, I am going to discuss how your oral health can affect your heart health.

Studies have found people with gum disease in moderate to advanced stages are at a greater risk for heart disease than someone with healthy gums. The spread of bacteria is what links oral health and heart disease. The bacteria in your mouth travels from your mouth to other parts of your body through the blood stream. When the bacteria from your mouth travels through the blood stream it attaches to areas of the heart causing inflammation. Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart, this can occur from the bacteria in your mouth traveling to the heart.

People with chronic gingivitis and periodontal disease (gum disease) have a high risk for heart disease caused from poor oral health. Especially if the oral health condition is unmanaged.

What to look for in your mouth to help determine if you have gum disease:

• Red, swollen gums.
• Your gums bleed when you brush, floss or eat.
• You see pus around the gums and teeth.
• Your gums look like they are pulling away from your teeth.
• You experience a bad taste or odour in your mouth.
• Your experiencing loose teeth or feel like spaces are opening between your teeth.

How to prevent gum disease that is related to heart health:

• Brush your teeth two times a day for two minutes each time.
• Floss daily!
• Drink plenty or water. (6 to 8 glasses a day)
• Visit your dental hygienist regularly for a professional cleaning (every 3 to 6 months)

We are kid friendly at Kay Dental in North York

Our goal is to make each visit a positive one whether 3 or 16, here are something's we do:  

• Early detection of decay, small cavities are easier to fix and won't develop in to more serious issue if caught early.
• Prevention is the best medicine, at each visit the hygienist will complete a thorough cleaning, removing plaque and build up. As well as provide a fluoride treatment or sealants as needed.
• Guidance the hygienist will go over proper brushing technique with your child (and you if they are young) and offer tips and tools to improve their oral hygiene.
• Habit creating a good positive routine when they are young will help promote a life time of good oral health.
• Diet Counseling if your child is cavity prone or we see signs of enamel break down (from acid erosion) we will review with them and/or you their diet and what changes can be made to help them avoid the damage and cavities caused by certain foods and drinks.

Our goal is to make each visit a positive one whether 3 or 16, here are something's we do:  

• Relaxed and informed we will go slowly and explain to your child as we go along what they can expect. We find that kids are much more relaxed, cooperative and have less fear when they understand what's happening.
• Rewards we have a well stocked treasure box with toys and stickers for young ones and sugar free gum for the teens. It's nice to end each visit with a reward and positive reinforcement.
• Hygiene aids we have a large selection of brushes, floss, rinses and paste specifically designed for kids to give to you to help them at home.
• Fun we have a kids play area and iPad loaded with games to keep them entertained while they wait for their appointment. Our monthly Movie Draw is a big hit, each month we pick a winner, who receives passed to Silver City, be sure to enter when you are in :)

 

Importance of home care for dental implants

The importance of cleaning around your dental implant is the same as a natural tooth structure. Thorough regular oral hygiene helps remove bacteria and keep tissue surround the implant and adjacent teeth healthy and will help prevent and reduce the risk of peri- implant disease (destruction of hard and soft tissue around the implant).

Instruments to help keep your implants clean:

• Tooth brush: Electric or hand held brushes remove the plaque on visable tooth/ implant surfaces, and stimulate tissue to keep areas healthy.
• Floss/ Super floss: Ensures that plaque removal under implants is removed (where tooth brushes do not reach). Also helps with tissue stimulation.
• Proxy brushes/ Soft picks/ Curaprox brushes: Help removal of plaque between teeth/ implants and under tissue. Similar to floss but helps with larger spaces between implants and or teeth. Also is great for tissue stimulation.
• Water Pik: Helps with plaque removal between teeth, under implant, and helps stimulate tissue. Flushes areas that are hard to reach, and many patients find it easier then manual plaque removal.
• Mouth rinses: Help with the removal of bacteria on tissue surfaces. Great for disinfection.
• Regular dental hygiene cleanings: Your hygienist is one of your best defenses against gum disease. They reach areas that are hard to access, help diagnose tissue concerns, and are your personal coaches to ensure you and your dental implant or implants stay healthy long term.

For patients that have implant supported dentures, oral hygiene under and on your implants are just as important. Proper cleaning and care allows your tissue to stay strong and healthy, keeping your denture comfortable and functional long term.