A Beautiful Smile and a Healthy Heart Go Hand in Hand By Dr. Everett Heringer on October 06, 2015

Everybody wants to have a beautiful smile, and rightly so. A beautiful smile projects warmth, friendliness, and approachability, not to mention a personal dedication to oral hygiene. What many people do not realize, however, is that it can also reflect a healthy heart. The connection between your oral health and your heart health is one of the most important in your body, even if does not seem obvious at first. This is just another reason that it is essential to be proactive in taking care of your teeth and gums, visiting our family dentistry practice at least twice a year for professional cleanings and thorough oral exams as recommended by the American Dental Association.

At Heringer Dentistry, we are serious about the relationship between dental care and heart health. At our Bismarck practice, we believe that every beautiful smile is built on a foundation of solid oral health, and that whole body health is dependent on such a foundation, as well. That’s why we provide a comprehensive range of procedures designed to restore and maintain the health of the teeth, gums, and other delicate oral tissues.

You can count on Heringer Dentistry to serve the dental needs of your entire family, from its youngest member to its most senior. In entrusting us with your oral health, you are also taking a step toward bolstering the health of your heart and, indeed, your entire body.

How does your dental care relate to your heart health?

The connection between your dental care and your heart health reaches its highest point of intersection in your gums, or periodontal tissues. Infections of any type in your body can affect the health of your heart, and periodontal infections are no exception. Studies have shown that people with periodontitis, the most advanced form of gum disease, are more susceptible to heart disease than those without periodontitis. They are also, tragically, more at risk for having heart attacks.

The connection between dental care and heart disease works in both directions. People with heart disease are at increased risk for gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health problems. If you suffer from heart disease, or if you have a family history of heart disease, it is especially important that you visit our family dentistry practice or another dental practice near you for routine care.

The good news is that, if you currently suffer from gum disease and have it effectively treated, your risk of heart disease may be decreased. The healthier your mouth, the healthier your heart and your entire body. At Heringer Dentistry, we offer a full range of treatments for periodontal disease, from planing and root scaling to advanced periodontal surgery.

The bottom line is this: You do not have to live with gum disease in any of its stages. We can help you restore your oral health and improve your overall health.