LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – What does February’s American Heart Month have to do with an orthodontics expert’s practice in Los Angeles? It seems like the two are completely unrelated, but orthodontist, Dr. David Alpan explains how oral health is linked to cardiovascular health.
“Any time we can, we raise awareness about diseases and educate people about how to prevent them,” says Dr. Alpan. “I see thousands of patients, both pediatric and adult, so I use my regular contact with patients to pass along important health information.”
While gum disease, a chronic inflammatory disease that destroys bone and gum tissues that support the teeth, does not necessarily cause cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S., researchers have found that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease.
“Quickly dealing with or being proactive in preventing gum disease may reduce the risk for the other,” says Dr. Alpan. “Since periodontal disease is the major cause of adult tooth loss and affects nearly 75 percent of Americans, I have patients that will be or are being affected by this disease.”
Brushing and flossing twice daily, having regular dental visits for exams and cleaning, eating a balanced diet and knowing early warning signs are all good preventative measures for periodontal disease.
“Getting orthodontic treatment for poorly aligned teeth can make routine dental care more effective,” says Dr. Alpan, a TMD dentist. “Orthodontics improves the function of the bite and makes accessing the mouth with a toothbrush and dental floss easier.”
Protect oral health with tips and information tailored to different groups of peoples’ health needs from the American Academy of Periodontology. More information about cardiovascular health is available at the Health Central website.