How can healthy gums improve heart health?

There is no conclusive research showing that healthy gums mean a healthy heart, however, studies indicate that severe gum disease may be associated with several other health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or stroke. However, saying that two conditions are associated is not the same as saying that one causes the other. Talk to your dentist about your overall health, especially if you have had any recent illnesses or have any chronic conditions. At home, practice good oral hygiene by always brushing your teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste, replacing your toothbrush every three or four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed, flossing once a day between the teeth and by remembering to eat a balanced diet and to limit between-meal snacks.

While researchers continue to try to understand the link between heart disease and gum disease, preserving your overall health may help prevent both. Oral health has been linked not only to heart disease, but to other complications as well. Although the cause is unknown, oral health problems are somehow related to these problems:

•Complications with pregnancy and childbirth
•Diabetes
•HIV/AIDS
•Osteoporosis
•Obesity
•Sjogren's syndrome (which causes dry mouth)
•Substance abuse
•Smoking
•Eating disorders
•Sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis and gonorrhea