The Effects of Poor Dental Hygiene on Your Body: Atherosclerosis

Today we move to part three in Dr. Maryam Brazdo’s series on how dental hygiene affects your overall health. Today’s topic is atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries.

Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Healthy arteries are flexible and elastic, but artery walls can become thick and stiff, sometimes restricting blood flow to your organs and tissues. This hardening of the arteries is a serious condition that can lead to stroke, heart attack, and even death. Atherosclerosis can begin with poor dental hygiene. High levels of disease-causing bacteria in the mouth can lead to clogging of the Carotid Artery and increased risk of stroke.

Part of atherosclerosis prevention includes proper diet and oral care. At Artistic Touch Dentistry, regular cleanings and dental exams are just one way we can keep these disease-causing bacteria at bay. Stay tuned for additional ways dental hygiene affects health as we continue the series.