Posted: February 14, 2022
February is American Heart Month, an effort on part of the American Heart Association to raise awareness of heart disease, its risk factors and prevention, and research for its cure. This makes it a great month to consider the ways your oral health impacts the health of your heart – and to take steps to make sure you are doing everything possible to keep your mouth and body at peak health.
While the exact link is not fully understood, people with gum disease are at two to three times higher risk for heart attack, stroke, and similarly adverse cardiovascular events. In addition, metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that increase risks for, among other things, type 2 diabetes, is more common in people with advanced gum disease. This makes it very important to know how to identify signs of gum disease and to take steps to treat it as soon as it becomes apparent.
Signs of gum disease include:
- Red or swollen gum tissue
- Gums that bleed easily
- Chronic bad breath
- A persistent bad taste in the mouth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Gum recession
When identified early, gum disease may respond well to a simple scaling and root planing treatment combined with enhanced at-home care. At our comfortable Manhattan office, we offer a range of periodontal therapies, including laser gum treatment, to meet the exact needs of each patient we see. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of gum disease, we encourage you to give us a call and schedule a treatment evaluation right away. In many cases, the sooner treatment can begin, the lower the risk of developing a more serious and worrisome oral or systemic health concern.
Maintaining Healthy Gums
You can help prevent gum disease or its reoccurrence by adopting a solid daily routine. This should include brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and high-quality toothpaste after every meal and snack, flossing before you brush both morning and night, and adding an antibacterial or prescription mouthwash as needed for optimal results. We can assess your current routine to help you make the most out of daily care during your next visit.
To schedule a periodontal evaluation, please call Mello & Tabib at 212-452-3344. We welcome patients from all areas of NYC at our conveniently located Manhattan office.
