A healthy smile does more than boost your confidence. A healthy smile is also good for your overall health as research shows a connection between overall and oral health.

According to your dentist in Westlake Village, paying close attention to your teeth and gums may prevent you from having a heart attack or a stroke.

Bad for Overall Health

Dr. Steven C. Greenman explains that Periodontitis is a chronic disease caused by over 500 different bacteria. A more advanced form of gum disease, periodontitis leads to damaged gum tissue and bone tissue. Periodontal disease also causes receding gums and tooth loss. The 6th at the top of the list of chronic conditions all over the globe, gum disease affects one in two adults in the United States.

It’s common knowledge that there is a link between stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and heart disease. Doctors and research teams now see Periodontitis and oral health as a direct risk for heart disease. The common link between all of these diseases is inflammation. It’s also interesting to note that recent research discovered a link between chronic kidney disease and advanced periodontitis as well.

Oral Health and Periodontal Disease

According to your Westlake Village dentist, early signs of periodontitis often remain silent. It’s only when people are in pain or notice excessive swelling and bleeding that gum disease is in its advanced stages. It’s vital that you pay attention if you want to avoid gingivitis and maintain good oral health.

Gum Disease Symptoms to Watch For:

Tender, swollen red gums
Oral Pain
Bleeding when brushing and flossing
Bleeding when eating hard foods
Mouth sores
Pus between your gums and teeth
Persistent foul taste in mouth
Chronic bad breath

Keeping Oral Health in Check

The best way to prevent gum disease is to brush twice a day and floss once using an antibacterial mouth rinse in the morning and at night. This keeps oral health in check and prevents tooth decay and gum disease.

Eat a diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals and calcium, and schedule regular dental checkups with your Westlake Village Dentist. Make sure that include bi-annual professional cleanings and comprehensive dental exams on your dental health wellness checklist as well.

Stay Healthy with Dental Checkups

Because everything in your body is linked with the mouth being the gateway to the rest of it, your oral health is crucial to overall health.

If you haven’t scheduled a dental checkup or a comprehensive dental examination this year, call and talk to a team member from Dr. Steven Greenman’s practice. Both you and your body will feel better for it.

Call or text and schedule an appointment with your dentist in Westlake Village because your overall and oral health depend on it.