Your dentist needs to know about more than just the condition of your mouth. Since your oral health affects your heart health, Dr. Locke will also analyze your heart status to determine your chance of risk for other problems. Please be prepared to discuss your health conditions with our team so we can keep your whole body healthy.
Heart Disease
Dr. Locke needs to know if you’ve been diagnosed with heart disease. The American Academy of Periodontology reports that patients with periodontal disease are twice as likely to have heart disease. The harmful bacteria can travel through your bloodstream and spread to other areas. Studies show that the bacteria that cause gum disease are often found clumped in artery plaques. It works the other way around, as well. You can’t feel your arteries hardening, but you will likely notice bleeding gums. In other words, if you haven’t been diagnosed with heart disease, evaluating your gum condition could help prevent any problems to save both your smile and your heart.
Heart Attack
Dr. Locke also needs to know if you have a history of heart attacks or strokes. Harmful oral bacteria cause your gums to swell up. When this bacteria travels through your bloodstream, it can inflame and infect other tissues. When other cells swell up, passageways may become blocked and your arteries may become clogged, increasing your risk of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke. A professional dental cleaning can reduce the harmful bacteria in your mouth, thereby decreasing your risk of heart infections.
Healthy Heart
Your behavior patterns also affect your heart. Dr. Locke may ask you about your regular diet and exercise habits. People who practice good dental hygiene are more likely to have healthier hearts because they practice healthier activities. If they pay attention to their oral health, they probably pay more attention to their overall health by eating right and exercising regularly.
Heartbreak
You should also tell Dr. Locke if you’re suffering from a heartbreak or emotional distress. Stress can cause you to change your behaviors and neglect the health of your mouth. Furthermore, stress increases the amount of cortisol in your bloodstream. This hormone influences your blood pressure, weight, gum health, and mood.
Feel free to discuss any of your heart conditions with Dr. Locke and our team. Treating your mouth can help save your smile and your body. Contact Dr. Locke at our dentist office in Waco, Texas, at (254) 776-4888 to request an appointment. We welcome patients from Waco, Woodway, McGregor, Hewitt, and surrounding communities.
Now Hiring!
If you want to help other people keep their hearts and mouths healthy, our Waco dentist office now has an open position for a front desk administrator to help patients schedule appointments and handle insurance paperwork. The ideal candidate will be upbeat and customer service oriented. No clinical experience required, but must love working with people and being part of of a team. Anyone interested should email a resume and cover letter to info@corbettlockedds.com.