When you notice problems in your mouth, you need a dentist to check up on your dental health. But it may surprise you that what your dentist finds could also be an indication of heart health problems. Read on to understand how the quality of your dental health could also be a sign that you may need to check up on your heart’s condition.

A great deal of research suggests that gum disease or gingivitis may indicate that you are at risk of heart disease. Although there is no conclusive medical evidence that proves one condition causes the other, both gum and heart disease have similar risks.

One possible connection between the two is the type of bacteria that causes the conditions.  Specifically, the bacteria that causes inflamed gums can also lead to inflammation of arteries when it enters the bloodstream. Arterial inflammation may be a symptom heart disease.

Gum disease and heart disease also share many similar risk factors. For example, smoking is one of the biggest risks associated with both conditions. Obesity and high blood pressure are other major health conditions that are known to increase your risk of dental and heart health issues.

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to prevent and care for these issues. Quitting smoking, managing your weight, and controlling your blood pressure with proper cardiac care can help protect you against both conditions. Caring for your teeth every day, eating healthy, and exercising are also important steps to take. Additionally, you’ll want to maintain regular checkups with both your dentist and your general practitioner to catch these problems early.

If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or other heart health problems, turn to DiVagno Interventional Cardiology, MD PA in Rochelle Park, NJ. Their team of heart doctors offers some of the best cardiac care available. To learn more about their interventional cardiology services, visit them online. Give them a call at (201) 845-3535 to find out how you can schedule an appointment.