Can Bleeding Gums Cause a Heart Attack?
What is the Oral-Systemic Link?
You’ve always heard that it’s important to take care of your teeth. Brush and floss every day, and see the dentist for good oral health. But did you know that your oral health could directly affect your overall health? And the road goes both ways—problems with your overall health show signs in your mouth, too.
Did you know that gum disease increases your risk of heart attack by 50%? Did you know that plaque buildup in your mouth can be an indicator of and contribute to plaque buildup in your arteries? These mouth-body connections are called the “oral-systemic link”. Portland dentist Dr. David Case explains the important ways your body systems work together for better or worse.
Gum Disease
Infection in your gums can significantly increase your risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, low birth weight babies, bacterial pneumonia and more. In fact, gum disease is directly linked to at least 52 other systemic diseases. If you get gum disease you may be at a higher risk of developing health problems in these areas because:
- Your mouth makes a cozy home for bacteria to thrive.
- Your gums are full of blood vessels that can quickly move bacterial infections like gum disease into other parts of your body.
- Gum disease is a sign of chronic inflammation, which can contribute to many other systemic diseases.
Accidents are never planned and rarely anticipated, but good dental care is always ready and available 24/7. Like all medical emergencies, 
A trip to the dentist should be a pleasant experience. That’s what we want for our kids: happy associations with that twice-annual visit to 
Sometimes in life, you just need a do-over. That’s precisely what 
Your mouth is an intelligent system made to work with every piece doing its part. When you’re missing a tooth, the empty spaces are more than unsightly; they can be dangerous. Your other teeth, your gums, and even the bones in your face rely on you having a full smile.
Cancer is always a scary word—but it doesn’t have to be the last word. Equipped with good information and the best doctors, you can feel empowered to navigate whatever stands before you or your loved one.
At Family Dental Health, we know that Portland parents work hard to prioritize their child’s health and happiness—you can count on us to do the same! The smiles of your children are a contagious expression of delight, and our role as their oral healthcare provider is to protect those precious pearly whites.
Someone once said, “Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.” How true! While it can be frustrating to watch your health change as you age, you don’t have to accept poor oral health and tooth loss as just an inevitable part of the aging process. Your oral health is just as important now as it has ever been, and it has a great deal to do with your overall health and wellness. When it comes to senior dentistry and oral health, 
Originally created for people unable to consume regular sugars, alternative and artificial sweeteners have become extremely popular in Portland in all kinds of different products. From chewing gum to diet soda, 
If you’re a new mom or about to be one, you’re likely already used to putting your needs second to the needs of this beautiful new little person in your life – but maintaining good oral hygiene is still important for keeping you and your baby in tiptop shape.