Your dentist in Delray Beach, Dr. George Sanchez is dedicated to healthy beautiful smiles and understands how important oral health is to overall health.

According to research, there is a direct connection between oral and overall health. In fact, people with heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease have more gum disease than people who don’t. That’s why oral hygiene is vital to teeth, gums, and the rest of your body.

Dental Checkups and Good Oral Hygiene Habits

Brushing Your Teeth

Dr. George Sanchez explains that good oral hygiene starts with education. You may have been brushing for years, but are you sure you are doing it the right way.

As a reminder, brush for two minutes twice a day. If you have problems keeping track, set a timer or play your favorite song. Do not forget to replace your toothbrush every three months or when the brush starts to fray. Also, don’t forget to brush your tongue as well.

Asking for help when it comes to oral hygiene during dental checkups is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, Dr. George and his team are always happy to give you a brush up, yes pun intended, when it comes to brushing, and the same goes for flossing during dental checkups.

Flossing is an Art Form

Most people are not flossing the right way. Your Delray Beach dentist says to use about 18 to 22 inches of floss. Wind the floss around your middle fingers, floss around each tooth with your index finger, and thumb.

Be careful not to scratch your gums when curving the floss around each tooth in a C shape. Flossing too aggressively could bruise or harm your gums. If your gums bleed when you floss, call Dr. George immediately as it could be a sign of gingivitis or the more serious periodontal disease.

Floss teeth at least once each day or more so if you have something stuck in between your teeth.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Most people forget that a healthy diet is just as important for your mouth as it is for the rest of your body. Eat a balanced diet that includes lots of fruits and veggies. Keep sugar to a minimum and drink lots of water.

Regular Dental Checkups in Delray Beach

One of the most important parts of good oral hygiene is regular dental checkups with your Delray Beach dentist.

Dr. George and his team often see signs of something more sinister during dental checkups. In fact, dentists are usually the first to spot something unusual when it comes to the early stages of oral cancer.

If you haven’t seen your Delray Beach dentist for some time, call and schedule an appointment with Dr. George Sanchez today.

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Because gum disease is loaded with bacteria, it enters the blood stream. Although the plaque in your teeth is different to the plaque in your body, which is made up of calcium, cholesterol and fat, it will build up in your arteries, just like the plaque in your bloodstream. Called atherosclerosis, this type of plaque is always present in heart disease.

What is the Link Between Gum Disease and Heart Disease?

Known as periodontitis, or periodontal disease, people who suffer from it have a higher risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease, or heart attack. However, not everyone with heart disease has gum disease and not everyone who has periodontal disease will develop cardiovascular issues. Periodontitis increases inflammation in the body. That inflammation can cause other health issues including heart disease. Other risk factors including an unhealthy diet and ingesting tobacco products.

Preventing Gum Disease

Good oral health habits, such as twice daily brushing and flossing once each day will help you battle gum disease.

Include a healthy diet in the mix and regular checkups with your dentist in Delray Beach and you are well on your way to better overall health. Your Delray Beach dentist also recommends twice-yearly professional cleanings.

Ask Dr. George Sanchez for a quick lesson on brushing and flossing just to make sure you are doing it properly.

Symptoms of Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease

• Tender, red, or swollen gums
• Bleeding gums
• Pus between your gums and teeth
• Chronic bad breath
• Tartar along your gum line
• Loose teeth
• Moving teeth
• Dental appliance changes

If you haven’t seen your dentist in some time, or think you may be suffering from gum disease, your health could be at risk. Call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist in Delray Beach.

Healthy teeth and gums mean a healthy body. Call for a dental checkup today.

The post Is There a Link Between Gum Disease and Heart Disease? appeared first on Dr. George Dental - George Sanchez DDS.