Menu

February is Heart Month

The American Academy of Periodontology stresses the importance of good oral health since gum disease may be linked to heart disease and stroke. Thus far, no cause-and-effect relationship has been established, but there are multiple theories to explain the link between heart disease and periodontal disease. One theory suggests that oral bacteria may affect heart health when it enters the blood and attaches to the fatty plaque in the heart's blood vessels. This can cause the formation of blood clots. Another theory suggests the possibility that inflammation could be a contributing link between periodontal disease and heart disease. Gum disease increases plaque buildup, and inflamed gums may also contribute to the development of swollen or inflamed coronary arteries.

What is coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease is caused in part by the buildup of fatty proteins on the walls of the coronary arteries. Blood clots cut off blood flow, preventing oxygen and nutrients from getting to the heart. Both blood clots and the buildup of fatty proteins (also called plaque) on the walls of the coronary arteries may lead to a heart attack. Moreover, periodontal disease nearly doubles the likelihood that someone will suffer from coronary artery disease. Periodontal disease can also worsen existing heart conditions, so many patients who suffer from heart disease need to take antibiotics before any dental procedures. This is especially true of patients who are at greatest risk for contracting infective endocarditis (inflammation of the inner layer of the heart). The fact that more than 2,400 people die from heart disease each day makes it a major public health issue. It is also the leading killer of both men and women in the United States today.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that destroys the bone and gum tissues around the teeth, reducing or potentially eradicating the system that supports your teeth. It affects roughly 75 percent of Americans, and is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. People who suffer from periodontal disease may notice that their gums swell and/or bleed when they brush their teeth.

Although there is no definitive proof to support the theory that oral bacteria affects the heart, it is widely acknowledged better oral health contributes to overall better health. When people take good care of their teeth, get thorough exams, and a professional cleaning twice a year, the buildup of plaque on the teeth is lessened. A healthy, well-balanced diet will also contribute to better oral and heart health. There is a lot of truth to the saying "you are what you eat." If you have any questions about you periodontal disease and your overall health, give our Benbrook, Texas office a call!

Contact Us

Send Us an Email

Our Location

Find us on the map

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-2:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-2:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Whitening, TMJ, TMD, Migraine Headache, AGGA Biobloc Alf DNA TAP Appliance, Orthotropics, Epigenetic Orthodontics, Cosmetic Laser Dentistry, Implants Crown, All on Four, Invisalign, Postural Restoration Institute, Craniofacial Dystrophy, Airway Centric Dentist, Breathing, Lip Buccal Tongue Tie, Breastfeeding, Nursing, Fillings, Myofunctional Craniosacral Speech Physical Therapy, Myofascial Massage, Veneers, Bridge, Partial Implant Overdenture Denture, Mewing, Tonsil, Adenoid, Deviated Septum, Turbinate Reduction, Neck Back Hip Pain, Scoliosis, Braces, Cranial Strain, Craniomandibular Orthopedics, Abscess, Deep Front Line, Cranial Nerve Function, Infant Frenectomy Stretches, Nasal Sinus Surgery, Root Canal, Mandibular Advancement Appliance, MAA, MMA Surgery, UPPP, NightLase, OroLase, BabyLase, LipLase, Snoring, Obstructive Central Sleep Apnea, Enuresis, Nocturia, ADHD, ODD, MTHFR C677T A1298C Factor V Homozygous Heterozygous Gene Mutation, ADD, Brain Health, Functional Anterior Galella Growth Appliance, Tooth Decay, Cavity, Riva Star Silver Diamine Fluoride, Fort Worth Benbrook Tarrant County Family General Physiologic Pediatric Childrens Holistic Sleep Dentist, Flossing, Brushing, Dental Medical Insurance, Nierman, OralDNA, Digital, Prosomnus, Snore, CPAP, Birth, Midwife, Doula, Bebe Myomunchee, Ankyloglossia, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD, Special Needs, Vaccine Injury, Buteyko, OMT, Down Syndrome, Ehlers Danlos, TRS, Arnica, Rescue Remedy, Folate Folic Acid, Homocysteine, Oral Surgery, Endodontics, Periodontal Gum Disease, Periodontics, Prophylaxis, Extraction, Toothache, Chiropractor, EyeLase, TightLase, Facelift, Botox, Stroke, High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Gluten, Autoimmune, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Home Sleep Study, UConcept, Polysomnography, HST, PSG, Trisomy, Loose broken baby tooth, eruption, Composite Porcelain, Facial Beauty Institute, Scaling Root Planing, Arestin, Saliva, Salivamax, Neutrasal, Dry Mouth, Biotene, Prevident, Muscle Relaxer, Allergy, Allergies, LPR, Laryngeal-pharyngeal Reflux, Inflammation, Uvula, Jaw Growth, tethered oral tissue, Grinding, Bruxism, Splint, Nightguard, Trauma, OralID, Schizophrenia, Depression, Heart Rate Variability, Rhinometer, Pharyngometer, Amalgam, Epworth, Lamberg, Debridement, Gingivitis, Gingival Graft, Xylitol, Hygiene, Hygienist, Emergency, Glo, UARS, Upper Airway Resistance Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Baby Led Weaning, Breast Prostate Colon Cancer, Thumb sucking, Tongue Thrust, Nitric Oxide, Night Terrors, Sleep Walking Talking, Fibromyalgia, CFS, Obesity, OSA, AHI, Hypoxia, Alzheimer's, Dementia, REM, Panic Attack, Premature Low Birth Weight, Erectile Dysfunction, ED, SDB, Sleep Disordered Breathing, SIDS, RERAs, Gelb, Leptin, Grehlin, Mouth Breathing Taping, Nail biting, Asthma, Bipolar, Ear Infection Tubes Grommets, Dark Circles, GERD, Nasal Dilator Cones, Xlear, Breathe Right Strips, TOTs, Thyroid, Habit Corrector, Lisp, Pregnancy, Newborn, NICU, Vaccinations, Herpes, Cold Sores, Canker Sores, Posture, Inspire, Hypoglossal Nerve, Pharynx, Pharyngeal Pillars, HRV, Dystonia, Tremor, Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, Dysautonomia, Circadian Rhythm, Tummy Time, Gummy Smile, Integrative Functional Dentistry, Slow Growth, Picky Eater, Sensory Issues, Texture Issues, Chewing, Gut Health, Probiotics, Immunity, Glymphatics, Lymphatic Drainage, Maxillary Mandibular Expansion, Distraction Osteogenesis, Sympathetic Autonomic Nervous System, Insomnia, Narcolepsy, Behavior, Sippy Cup, Pacifier, Stress, PANS, Tapping, Suicide, Screen Time, Blue Light, Sleep Hygiene, Infant Mortality, Aging, Breast Milk, Carotid Plaque, Atrial Natriuretic Peptide, ANP, scalloping, Concentration, Radiation, Chemotherapy, Anti-psychotic, Inhaler, Nebulizer, Otitis Media, Anesthesia, Sedation, Cerebrospinal Fluid, CSF, Upledger, Oxidative Stress, Weight Gain, Diaphragm, Forward Head, Dowager's Hump, Naps, Frenotomy, digital xrays, digital radiographs