Show Your Teeth Some Love

Woman making hand heart over her teeth

Cardiovascular disease, the leading killer of men and women in the United States, contributes to 2,400 deaths each day. Periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory disease that destroys bone and gum tissues that support the teeth affects nearly 75 percent of Americans and is the major cause of adult tooth loss. While the two diseases may seem unrelated, evidence is mounting that people with gum disease may be at higher risk for heart disease. In fact, gum disease may worsen existing heart conditions.

Heart Disease Infographic-01

Managing one disease may reduce the risk for the other, according to a consensus paper on the relationship between heart disease and gum disease published in the American Journal of Cardiology and the Journal of Periodontology.

In that vein, here are some tips you can follow to ensure optimal oral health:

1. Watch for possible warning signs of gum disease:

    • – Red, swollen or tender gums
    • – Gums that pull away from the teeth
      – Bleeding while brushing or flossing
  • – Persistent bad breath
  • – Loose or separating teeth

2. Brush and floss regularly.

3. Visit your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings.

4. If you currently have heart disease, talk to your dentist about your diagnosis and create a treatment plan aimed at maintaining good oral hygiene.

Leah Martinez
Leah Martinez serves as a social media analyst for Delta Dental of Arizona. In college at the University of New Mexico, Leah took the path of no return and majored in Chemistry with healthcare on her mind. After learning direct patient care was not her forte, she landed a job as the advertising manager at University of New Mexico's college newspaper “The Daily Lobo.” It was this job that turned her on to her skills in digital marketing. Since joining Delta Dental in 2012, Leah found her niche, as the constant education and learning in social media brings out the true geek in her. In her spare time, Leah enjoys snowboarding, snowmobiling and riding dirt bikes. (Did we mention she's based in Colorado?) [Editor's Note: Leah is no longer a current DDAZ employee.]