Healthy YOU

H e a lt h y T e e t h : W h a t YO U N e e d

to

K now

February 2016

2510 Fair Park Blvd., Little Rock, AR 72204

T: (501) 663-5541

F: (501) 663-5631

Mon-Fri: 8am-7pm Sat: 9am-3pm

Your Smile!!

The Heart & Mouth

Connection: How Heart
Disease & Oral Health Link?
Studies have shown that people
with moderate or advanced gum
(periodontal) disease are more likely
to have heart disease than those with
healthy gums. Oral health holds clues to
overall health.
Dentists can help patients who have a
history of heart disease by examining
them for any signs of oral pain, infection
or inflammation.

Are You at Risk?

Many of the risk factors for gum disease
are the same as those for heart disease,
such as tobacco use, poor nutrition
& diabetes. Overall, people who have
chronic gum disease are at higher risk
for a heart attack, according to the
Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).

GUM DISEASE
WARNING SIGNS

Gum disease (called gingivitis in its

early stages & periodontal disease in the
late stages) is caused by plaque buildup
along & below the gum line.
Some researchers have suggested
that gum disease may contribute to
heart disease because bacteria from
infected gums can dislodge, enter the
bloodstream, attach to blood vessels &
increase clot formation.
It has also been suggested that
inflammation caused by gum disease
may also trigger clot formation. Clots
decrease blood flow to the heart,
thereby causing an elevation in blood
pressure & increasing the risk of a heart
attack.
According to the AGD, proper diagnosis
& treatment of tooth & gum infections
in some of these patients have led to a
decrease in blood pressure medications
& improved overall health.

If you currently have heart disease,

make sure to tell your dentist
about your condition as well as any
medications you are currently taking.

Proactive Prevention
While regular dental exams & cleanings
are necessary to remove bacteria,
plaque, tartar, and early detection of
gum disease can play a major role in
preventing gum disease every day.
The best way to be proactive in
maintaining your oral & overall health
is scheduling regular dental checkups,
getting professional cleanings & regular
brushing & flossing.
Taking steps to stop gum disease at
the source is the best way to keep your
smile beautiful at any age.
Information courtesy of Academy of General Dentistry.

Stages of Gum Disease & Pocket Depths

Gum disease affects 80% of American

adults & often the condition goes
undiagnosed. Warning signs that you
may have gum disease include:
red, tender or swollen gums
bleeding gums while brushing or
flossing
gums that seem to be pulling away
from your teeth
chronic bad breath or a bad taste
in your mouth
teeth that are loose or separating
from each other

Picture source: http://kuhndentist.com/wp-content/uploads/gum_disease_pocket_depth.jpg

www.ualr.edu/children
ualr.edu/children

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Advice from the Dental Clinic

Oral health can affect your heart health!

Gum disease can cause heart issues &

your teeth can give early warning signs of
other diseases in your body.

Future Smiles Dental Clinic

501.447.6645--TODAY!

dentalplan.com

Parents should see their dentist regularly

as should your kids. If your child needs to
see the dentist call

We help families & communities, one child at a time!