Plaque -- In Your Mouth and Your Arteries
Over 35 million Americans suffer from periodontal disease, and heart disease is the number one killer in the country. While the link between these two diseases is ever becoming clearer, the potential for lowering the risk of heart attack is also becoming more obvious.
Periodontal disease is caused by the bacterial plaque that is on the teeth and gums. For some time now, researchers knew that patients with periodontal disease were twice as likely to also suffer from heart disease, but they didn't know why.
It seems that the type of bacteria that causes gum disease causes the blood to thicken, raising the risk of heart attack. Plaque buildup in arteries can lead to stroke, as well as heart attack. Other problems that may be related to bacterial plaque include a weakened immune system and lung diseases.
Of course, flossing just once a day is still the best way to battle dental plaque. If flossing is difficult for you, ask our dental team for help with different methods of flossing. Regular professional cleanings then remove plaque that you've missed and improve chances of healthy gums. Remember, healthy gums means a healthy heart!