Heart disease symptoms include heart attacks, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. As your dentist, did you know that we could spot your risk of developing heart disease by simply looking inside your mouth, at your teeth?
Coronary heart disease is one of the biggest causes of death in the UK and across the world, according to the NHS. It’s a type of cardiovascular disease that describes blood being blocked in the arteries. Heart disease is usually caused by a build up of fatty deposits in the arteries, which interrupts the flow of blood around the body. Coronary heart disease symptoms include chest pain, heart attacks and heart failure. Your teeth could be hiding your risk of developing heart disease, along with a number of other health conditions.
Despite appearing bright and healthy, the smile below could be a warning sign of heart disease. Using disclosing tablets, the amount of plaque accumulating on the teeth can be revealed. This patient has a build up of plaque at the bottom of her teeth. Without treatment, plaque build-up can develop into gum disease. Having gum disease increases your risk of a number of health conditions, including diabetes, strokes, and heart disease.
(Heart disease symptoms: Disclosing tablets revealed the plaque on this smile)
“The images suggest there is a build-up of plaque accumulated on the outside surface of the patient’s lower front teeth,” said Simplyhealth’s Chief Dental Officer, Dr Henry Clover. “This is very common - it’s an area that’s easy to overlook or miss when brushing because many people find it tricky to effectively manoeuvre their toothbrush around the bottom lip. If the plaque build-up is left, it could lead to gum disease. While many see this as a common, easily-treatable problem, it has actually been shown to be linked to heart disease, stroke and rheumatoid arthritis. If left untreated, gum disease can also develop into chronic periodontitis which can result in tooth loss.”
Brushing your teeth properly and looking after your gums can prevent and treat gum disease, said the NHS. It will also improve your overall health and lower your risk of deadly conditions, including heart disease. You should brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Don’t forget to clean between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes.
If you are concerned about the health of your smile and would like to arrange a check-up with one of our friendly and highly experienced dentists here at Castelnau Dentists in Barnes, then please call us on 020 8563 7177 email us at info@castelnaudentists.com
In categories Oral Healthcare
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Castelnau Dentists
200 Castelnau
Barnes
London
SW13 9DW
020 8563 7177 / 7277
Info@castelnaudentists.com
/castelnaudentists
/castelnaudentists
| Monday | 8.00am to 4.00pm |
| Tuesday | 8.00am to 4.00pm |
| Wednesday | 8.00am to 4.00pm |
| Thursday | 8.00am to 4.00pm |
| Friday | 8.00am to 4.00pm |
| Saturday | By Appointment |
| Sunday | Closed |
