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The Connection Between Heart Disease and Oral Health |
Posted on 4/26/2021 by Amy |
| It may be hard to believe that our mouth can have an effect on our heart, but research suggests that they are closely linked. Researchers now believe that the bacteria caused by gum disease travels throughout the body, and therefore, triggers an infection in the heart's valves and inflammation in its vessels. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these risks are present in most adults. Their research states that nearly half of all Americans aged 30 or above, and 70% of those aged 65 or above have varying degrees of gum disease. The Link Between Your Gums and Heart Even though the relationship between oral health and heart disease is still quite unclear, experts are certain that gum disease triggers inflammation that, in turn, triggers strokes, heart attacks and unexpected vascular events. For example, medical experts have found traces of oral bacteria in the arteries of people diagnosed with atherosclerosis. When left untreated, these deposits tend to clog arteries and, therefore, inevitably lead to a stroke or heart attack. Heart Valve Disease Additionally, people who are diagnosed with heart valve disease are at a greater risk of heart attack when they have gum disease. This is so because the bacteria in our mouth crosses into the bloodstream, enters our heart, and then directly infects the valves in our heart. This can especially be a problem for those individuals that have an artificial heart valve. The Good News The good news is that the treatment of gum diseases, such as gingivitis, is pretty straightforward. All you need to do is look out for the warning signs such as persistent bad breath, separating teeth, receding gums, bleeding while flossing, brushing or while eating hard food, and swollen/tender gums. If you notice any of these symptoms, call us at (360) 633-2377 to schedule an appointment and learn more about how to prevent and treat gum diseases.... Read more... |
Benefits of Flossing Your Teeth |
Posted on 4/12/2021 by Amy |
| Your oral care is incomplete without flossing at least once a day. The narrow floss thread effectively reaches the areas where a toothbrush is unable to reach. It cleans the food residue, bacteria, and other germs to give your mouth a fresh and healthy feeling. For healthy teeth and gums, it is vital that you floss your teeth regularly. Some of the benefits of flossing are as follows: Prevents Plaque Build-up Plaque build-up is a common occurrence. It is a thin film of acid-producing bacteria that forms on the gum line. If this plaque is not removed properly through brushing and flossing, it can turn hard and become tartar and cause tooth decay. Flossing once a day helps to remove this plaque build-up because only the narrow floss thread can pass through the thin and delicate gum line and clean it thoroughly. Fresh Breath The bacteria attack and accumulate on the food that is still stuck to our teeth. The accumulation of this bacteria and food remains in the mouth and causes bad breath. Brushing and flossing help remove and wash away food remains and bacteria, leaving the mouth feeling fresh. While brushing is a general method of oral care, flossing is a deep cleaning method. Cleans Hard-to-Reach Areas Your toothbrush can only clean the surface of your teeth. At times, when we use toothbrushes that are too big or broad for the mouth, it becomes difficult to clean the deep ends of the mouth. The food debris that sticks to the molars and incisors causes plaque formation and cavities. Moreover, brushing is not a 100 percent effective method for cleaning in between the teeth. The thin floss thread passes right through the narrow gaps in the teeth and removes food debris and plaque before it turns into tartar. Prevents Gum Diseases Regular flossing can prevent gum diseases like periodontitis and gingivitis. When food is not properly cleaned and removed from the teeth and gums, harmful bacteria attack the site and cause infections. These infections can cause your gums to become inflamed, bleed, or recede. Receding gums expose the roots of your teeth to decay and damage. In severe cases, your tooth can become loose and fall off. Regular flossing can keep these harmful bacteria at bay. At Life Long Dental, Dr. Kasey Gillespie, DDS or Dr. Gillespie will check your mouth for signs of plaque and tartar buildup and will treat it accordingly.... Read more... |
What to Expect From a Routine Dental Exam? |
Posted on 3/22/2021 by Amy |
| Dental checkups should ideally be performed by us once every 6 months. Our professionals also encourage getting your teeth cleaned during this exam to save you from multiple trips. A dental exam is nothing but a routine checkup for your teeth, gums, and overall health. This exam helps us rule out the possibility of any issues and also allows us to rectify any teeth and gum problems at an early stage. Importance of Dental Exams The first stage of a dental exam involves our professional asking you various questions. This includes information about your lifestyle and any allergies or any kind of medication you are on. The reason we ask for your medical history is that certain diseases impact your dental health. When we are aware of your medical history, it becomes easier to provide the right care for your teeth and gums. Once the information is collected, our professionals go ahead and examine your teeth, gums, jaw, neck, and throat. The second stage of the dental exam involves taking x-rays so we can rule out any issues that are otherwise not visible to the naked eye. Dental Cleaning Post the examination, our professionals will conduct a dental cleaning. This helps your teeth look white, bright, and beautiful. It also helps to remove any plaque or tartar build-up so you can maintain stronger teeth and gums. During the exam, if our professionals find something that raises a red flag, they may suggest an oral cancer screening and a possible biopsy to ensure everything is fine. We highly encourage all our patients to ask as many questions as possible during their dental exam. It is also important for them to keep us informed about any changes they may notice in their mouth or any dental issues they may be concerned about. To schedule your next dental exam, please do give us a call and we would be glad to assist.... Read more... |
Find Our LocationLife Long Dental3100 NW Bucklin Hill Rd, Suite 209, Silverdale, WA 98383-8358 |
Address3100 NW Bucklin Hill Rd, Suite 209, Silverdale, WA 98383-8358  |
