Why You'll Never Look the Same at Oral Health Again

It's been shown that just a few weeks of slacking on brushing and flossing can lead to plaque build up-the primary cause of gingivitis, or the earliest stage of periodontitis (gum disease).But did you know that periodontal disease has been linked to increased risk of heart attack and stroke?

Plaque build up can turn into hardened calculus that you can no longer remove on your own.It can only be removed with a professional in-office cleaning.Ignored calculus deposits can expand under your gum line and form “pockets" that harbor bacterial infections.

Once the underlying jawbone is infected, oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream, attach to fatty deposits in your arteries and contribute to clot formation.Blood clots can obstruct normal blood flow within your arteries, possibly leading to a heart attack or stroke.

Bacteria from plaque build-up in the gums can also activate your immune system.

Inflammation is one of the body's immune defenses.However, as this immune response causes the artery walls to swell up or inflame, the openings that supply nutrients and oxygen to the heart become narrow.If blood flow is restricted or stopped, a heart attack or stroke can occur.

Injury to the heart and nearby tissues doesn't happen overnight; it's a chronic, long-term process.But why give the process a chance to start in the first place!Thankfully, dental disease is one of the most preventable of all diseases!!Call us today to schedule your oral exam! 318-442-9555

Dr. Moreau is in private practice in General and Cosmetic Dentistry in Alexandria.

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