The Connection between Oral and Overall Health

February is, notably, the month when couples across the country celebrate Valentine’s Day. Because of how important the heart—or a symbol of a heart—is to that day, it makes sense to spend our first post this month talking about the connection between oral health, heart health, and overall health.

Many patients are surprised to learn that a connection even exists, but it does. What specifically ties oral and overall wellbeing together? Recent date suggests that the connection can be traced to gum disease, an incredibly common oral health condition.

Gum disease is caused by the buildup of bacteria and plaque around the teeth and gums. Early signs of it include sensitive or bleeding gums, frequent bad breath, loose teeth, and the formation of pockets around the gum line.

If gum disease isn’t treated, bacteria and plaque can get into these pockets and travel to other parts of the body. That’s how gum disease makes you vulnerable to other kinds of health problems.

The health conditions that can be influenced by gum disease include:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Hypertension 
• Alzheimer’s
• Pneumonia
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Pre-term birth or low birth weight

To protect your smile, our Verona dental office recommends following these steps.

First, come up with a good oral care routine and stick with it. We recommend brushing at least twice a day. We also recommend flossing at least once a day. Rinsing with a good antibacterial mouthwash will also help.

Second, are you seeing Dr. Scurti of Verona Dental Arts twice a year for checkups and cleanings? Regular care is important for keeping your smile free of bacteria and plaque. Plus, if we find signs of gum disease, we can help you treat it before it becomes a serious issue.

Periodontal Therapy from Verona Dental Arts

Gum disease is a very common oral health problem. It’s not only responsible not only for symptoms like sensitivity, bleeding, and bad breath, it can also cause tooth loss and make patients susceptible to other kinds of health problems in the rest of the body.

Thankfully, treatment is possible with periodontal therapy at Verona Dental Arts. Using scaling and root planing—two very effective therapies—Dr. Michael Scurti will help you eliminate bacteria and plaque from your smile.

Specifically, scaling and root planing target areas below the gum line, where pockets may have developed between the teeth and gums. Since bacteria and plaque are the key ingredients behind gum disease, removing these from the mouth is essential to treating uncomfortable symptoms and restoring good oral health.

Are you struggling with the effects of gum disease? Find out how Dr. Scurti can help with periodontal therapy. During a consultation at his Verona dental office, we can talk to you about your current situation and your needs. We promise to offer you personalized care that targets your exact situation.

Call us today to schedule an appointment. Dr. Scurti is happy to offer quality periodontal therapy to patients from Verona, West Orange, Livingston, Clifton, and surrounding New Jersey towns.