Help Prevent Heart Attacks by Brushing Your Teeth

We know, this claim seems crazy. What could brushing your teeth possibly have to do with the health of your heart? More than you might think!

Jailbreak Bacteria

When you eat or drink, your mouth becomes populated with the bacteria that cause plaque. This sounds gross, but it’s not necessarily a bad thing. As long as you take care of your teeth, brush and floss them every day, the plaque will be regularly cleaned and won’t cause problems.

However, if bacteria accumulate in your mouth, they irritate your gums, causing them to bleed. The bacteria then “jailbreak” into your bloodstream, where they can create blood clots. If these clots travel to your heart, they greatly increase your risk of heart attack.

Heart Disease Statistics

Unfortunately, most of us know a friend or family member in Rochester who has died of heart disease or a stroke; these conditions account for one out of every three deaths in our country.

Each year, Americans have more than 2 million heart attacks and strokes, and Dr. Nozik, Dr. Tumminelli, & Dr. Kloc want to work with family doctors, to lower these numbers in our area.

Decrease Your Risk of Heart Attack

There are many ways to keep your heart healthy:

• watch what you eat
• check your blood pressure
• monitor your cholesterol
• exercise regularly
• see your doctor every year

We want everyone in Rochester to remember the importance of adding oral check-ups to this heart healthy regimen. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss every day, and just pay attention to what your mouth is telling you.

Everyone deserves to live a long, healthy life, and we hope American Heart Month will help you learn more about how White Spruce Dental can help you do that! Contact our office today!

Sources

http://www.cdc.gov/features/heartmonth/

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100905231231.htm