Most of us know that eating healthy foods and exercising can help prevent strokes. But there’s actually more that you need to do. Believe it or not, your mouth can play a role in your likelihood of having a stroke. Not taking care of your teeth and gums can significantly increase your risk. Since May is National Stroke Awareness Month, now is the perfect time to read about how a dentist near Severna Park explains the connection between strokes and oral health.
What Dental Problems Can Lead to Strokes?
The most common condition to watch out for is gum disease. Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is a bacterial infection in the gums, caused by buildup of plaque. Some symptoms of gum disease include:
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Red or swollen gums
- Receding gums or loose teeth
- Persistent bad breath
When gum disease is left untreated, bacteria create toxins that break down the bond between gums and teeth. Plaque spreads in this space, allowing bacteria to grow and damage your teeth and gums.
Another dental problem associated with strokes is tooth loss. Research has found that the fewer teeth a person has, the higher their risk for strokes. This link might be due to poor hygiene in general. If a person practices unhealthy habits such as smoking and frequently eating sugary foods, it not only damages their teeth and gums, but their overall health as well.
How is Oral Health Connected to Strokes?
A study has shown that gum disease has been linked to not only strokes, but other health problems such heart disease and diabetes. Although multiple studies have been conducted on these links, no one has found a single definitive reason for the connection.
The most popular theory right now says that exposed blood vessels in your gums allow bacteria easy access to your bloodstream, where they can cause infections. They could eventually find their way to your heart and cause plaque to build up in your arteries.
How Can I Take Care of My Oral Health to Prevent Strokes?
Maintaining good oral hygiene is an excellent way to prevent strokes. There are a few ways to do that, including:
- Visiting your dentist near Severna Park every six months for regular checkups and cleanings.
- Brush your teeth twice a day for two full minutes.
- Floss daily before bed.
- Avoid tobacco products.
- Limit alcohol intake.
- Lessen the amount of sugary food you eat.
As you can see, preventing strokes involves a lot more than just diet and exercise! Taking care of your teeth and gums is critical. By practicing good oral hygiene habits and seeing your dentist regularly, your teeth and your heart can be happier and healthier!
About the Practice
At Conklin & Ward Dental Group in Millersville, MD, we get to know our patients on a medical as well as a personal level to decide what treatment options are best for them. We offer preventive treatments to catch little problems in your teeth before they worsen. If you have gum disease, we offer periodontal therapy to treat the condition before it can increase your chances of stroke. To learn more about taking proper care of your mouth, click here or call (410)-729-9090.