Oral Health and Heart Disease

In a 2018 study conducted by the American Heart Association (AHA), poor oral health was shown to be linked to several cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Suzanne Haeri is passionate about oral health, which she believes fosters long-term wellness and prevents illnesses like heart disease. 

The Heart and Your Oral Health: How Are They Connected?

Many studies prove the link between heart health and dental habits. One study published in the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology revealed that people who have gum disease or periodontal disease have higher risks of developing heart disease. But gum disease isn’t the only condition that can lead to heart disease. Poor brushing habits can also lead to heart conditions, according to findings presented at the AHA’s 2018 Scientific Session. 

Researchers have two theories of how oral health and the heart are connected. One way the two are connected is through the body’s bloodstream. Harmful bacteria in the mouth can spread through your bloodstream to the heart, elevating C reactive proteins that are associated with heart attacks. Another theory is that heart disease is your brain and body’s response to inflammation and plaque buildup in the gums and teeth. 

Prevention Is the Best Medicine

Your Los Angeles, CA dentist recommends healthy habits to prevent heart disease. These include:

-Eating a healthy diet chock full of fruits and vegetables. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and rinse out plaque.

-Regular visits to the dentist. At our L.A. clinic, we stay alert for heart disease indicators and provide thorough dental cleanings to reduce your mouth’s dangerous bacteria.

-Proper brushing and flossing. Make sure to brush and floss at least twice a day.

-Avoid smoking and tobacco use. These substances are not just bad for your oral and heart health, but your entire body, so it’s best to stay away.

To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200.

Periodontal Disease

Did you know that it’s abnormal for your gums to bleed while brushing your teeth? Your hands shouldn’t bleed when you wash them, but many people seem to think that bleeding from the gums is normal. In actuality, this is a sign of an underlying issue. Suzanne Haeri DDS in Los Angeles, CA, dedicates her time and expertise in educating patients about good oral health. Your Los Angeles dentist will help you achieve the smile you’ve been longing for.

If your gums are swollen and bleeding, these are signs of the beginning stages of periodontal disease known as gingivitis. The gums have been infected with bacteria-infested plaque, which is usually caused by poor dental hygiene or pre-existing conditions. Periodontitis is the advanced stage of the disease, where the teeth can actually be loosened and fall out.

Factors that increase your risk of periodontal disease include:

- Chronic stress

- Certain medications such as antidepressants, diuretics, high blood pressure meds, seizure-controlling meds, and calcium blockers

- Poor nutrition

- Fluctuating hormones

- Diseases such as diabetes, leukemia, inflammatory bowel disease, and HIV

- Teeth grinding

- Crooked or crowded teeth

- Tobacco use

- Genetics

- Poor dental hygiene, especially with braces on your teeth

Do you think you could be experiencing periodontal disease? We will assess what’s going on and get you started on a treatment plan. Suzanne Haeri DDS practices at 1100 S La Cienega Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA 90035. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit suzannehaeridds.com or call 310-657-2200.

 

Foods for Optimal Oral Health

Changes in the mouth begin with what we eat, therefore it’s important to be cautious of the foods that touch our plate. To prevent cavities and maintain optimal oral health, our diets should contain a variety of foods from each of the five food groups in the recommended amounts. These foods are grouped together because of the nutrients they contain. To help you get a better understanding, Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS is here to tell you what to eat and what to avoid.

If a person snacks frequently, they increase their risk of developing cavities. Added sugars and acids damage tooth enamel and can cause it to wear down which is why they should always be avoided. Like every other part of our body, teeth need nutrients to function properly. You should consume fruits, vegetables, and dairy products that are rich in calcium to help restore minerals in enamel, fight periodontal disease, and bad breath.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental health, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200. 

Why Sugar is Bad for Teeth

Though some fruits such as apples contain sugar, we need these healthy foods to survive. Added sugars, however, provide no nutritional value to teeth. Limiting sugar can do wonders for your overall and oral health. This is because sugar plays a harmful role in tooth decay, developing diabetes, and increasing a person’s chance of developing heart disease. Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS encourages patients to reduce their sugar intake to save their teeth.

Whenever we eat, the bacteria naturally found inside the mouth works hard to break down food. However, when sugars are in the mouth, they use plaque as a source of energy to thrive. This makes it harder to wash away with saliva and may cause you to spend more time in front of the sink, brushing and flossing. Sugar is the leading cause of cavities in adults and children. To protect your smile, consume nutritious foods, rather than cookies, cakes, and sticky foods.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental health, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200.