Keeping Your Smile Healthy Can Mean Keeping Your Heart Healthy

Oral health is an important, but often overlooked part of a person’s overall health. Few people know there is now an association between oral health and some medical conditions, notably diabetes and some heart conditions.

A healthy smile is also important socially. According to a national survey conducted by the American Dental Association and Crest® and Oral B®, “the smile outranked eyes, hair and the body as the most attractive physical feature.” Treating bad breath or halitosis is also important socially, and in the majority of cases, good oral hygiene practices will keep bad breath at bay.

Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits will also help prevent gingivitis, the early reversible form of gum disease. In gingivitis the gums are red, swollen and bleed easily, particularly when the teeth are cleaned. Healthy gums should not bleed when the teeth are cleaned. Blood on the tooth brush, dental floss or in the toothpaste is a common sign of gingivitis.

Seeking dental treatment for gingivitis is important to prevent progression to the severe form of gum disease (periodontitis). In gum disease the infection spreads to the ligaments and bone surrounding the teeth and causes the gums and bone to recede or “shrink”. Early dental treatment for gum disease is important, as delays can cause teeth to loosen and eventually fall out. Gum disease has also been associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

www.TheDentalKit.com has been developed by a dentist as an online resource to help patients maintain good oral health between regular dental visits. www.TheDentalKit.com has articles on treating bad breath, gingivitis and gum disease, as well as articles about amalgam fillings, home teeth whitening and white fillings. For more oral health care information please visit www.TheDentalKit.com.

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Maureen MacNicol

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