How To

How to Control Gingivitis to Improve Heart Health

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(4 Ratings)

Good dental care is extremely important to the health of your heart. Often the only sign of problems will be swollen gums. Taking care of your teeth—including preventing gingivitis—is one of the most important things a heart patient can do to keep themselves healthy.

From Quick Guide: Preventing Gingivitis
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Toothbrush
  • Floss
  • Foods with Vitamin C
  1. Step 1

    Notice that your gums are swollen and bleeding. Immediately go to the dentist. Gingivitis is attacking your mouth. Much research has determined the effect of various dental problems on your heart health. The consensus is that gingivitis is something to avoid.

  2. Step 2

    Listen to the dentist when he gives you advice to control your gingivitis. The dangers of gingivitis include high blood pressure, high cholesterol and coronary artery disease.

  3. Step 3

    Start by choosing the proper toothbrush. If you have doubts as to whether you need soft or firm, check with your dentist. Most dentists will say, "Use a soft brush because you need to brush past the gum line." If your gums are already inflamed, they will need little coercion to bleed again. The healthier your gums, the more you can take from the toothbrush.

  4. Step 4

    Get the idea of good hygiene firmly planted in your mind. Practice it consistently the rest of your life. Brush your teeth twice daily and floss at least once a day.

  5. Step 5

    Make and keep dental appointments. Once your gingivitis is under control, your dentist will be your best ally in oral health. Feel free to discuss any subject with them regarding your heart health, relative to gingivitis and your oral health.

  6. Step 6

    Eat a healthy diet with plenty of Vitamin C to ensure your oral health has a good basis. Most fruits include Vitamin C, so it will not be difficult. There are also Vitamin C tablets for sale in the vitamin section of your favorite pharmacy.

Tips & Warnings
  • It takes 3 to 5 minutes to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth.
  • Use the floss before brushing to loosen food particles from eating.
  • Electric toothbrushes are sometimes more effective to prevent gingivitis.
  • Gingivitis is a very strong heart health risk.

Comments  

brate said

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on 7/5/2009 Quite surprising fact. Haven’t heard before that while brushing I am also protecting my heart. Isn’t it natural for us to believe we are healthy and not suffering from any disease? I had a similar thought process until my physician asked me to get a heart scan done after he found that my basic cardiograms were not perfect. I discovered that there were calcium deposits in my coronary arteries and I was at a serious risk of a heart attack. I was shocked and went ahead with the Cardiologist's suggestion of an advanced diagnostic scan. Though it’s always tough to undergo such experiences, I was not at any kind of discomfort at the Elitehealth.com advanced heart scan facility. I am not an expert in medical appliance and machines but could feel that the equipment was world-class and I was in safe hands. That feeling is really very important for me and that’s how it actually went on. The fa...

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