Protecting Your Heart: Oral Health and Systemic Wellness Near You 

We often separate our dental care from the rest of our body health, but the truth is, your mouth is intrinsically linked to your well-being, especially your cardiovascular system. Learning how a healthy mouth lowers your risk for heart disease is one of the most proactive steps you can take for a longer, healthier life.

At Eastern Shore Smile Solutions, Dr. Hiers wants you to understand this vital oral-systemic link. Call our top dentist in Cambridge and Easton at 410-228-4191 to schedule your consultation. We proudly welcome patients from Cambridge, Easton, Salisbury, Denton, and St. Michaels.

What Sets Our Dental Offices Apart?

Three Decades of Experienced Care

Eastern Shore Smile Solutions boasts over three decades of experience in care, since Dr. Hiers founded the practice in 1989. This longevity reflects our commitment to excellence and high-quality patient relationships. Dr. Hiers continually pursues education to bring the best and most current techniques to the Eastern Shore, providing a stable, successful track record for your care.

Comprehensive Solutions Under One Roof

The collaboration among our dentists, including Dr. Hiers, Dr. Christopher Morrow, and others, brings a wealth of collective knowledge directly to your treatment plan, minimizing the need for outside referrals.

Our Philosophy: Education and Empowerment

Our mission is to empower you to take charge of your oral health. We prioritize patient education and open communication, striving to create a comfortable, transparent environment. Dr. Hiers believes that when you fully understand your options, you are better equipped to make confident decisions that result in a lifelong, healthy smile.

Gum Disease and Heart Health: A Critical Connection

The link between gum disease and heart problems is one of the most extensively studied and concerning aspects of the oral-systemic connection. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a chronic inflammatory condition caused by bacterial infections in the gums. 

Here’s how this silent condition can impact your heart:

• Inflammation as a Common Denominator: Both gum disease and heart disease are characterized by inflammation. The chronic inflammation present in your gums from periodontitis can trigger a systemic inflammatory response throughout your body. 
• Bacterial Entry into the Bloodstream: When gums are infected and inflamed, the protective barrier they usually provide can break down. 
• Impact on Blood Clotting: Research indicates that chronic inflammation from gum disease might also influence blood clotting mechanisms. This could potentially increase the risk of blood clots, which are a direct cause of heart attacks and strokes. 

Beyond the Heart: Other Systemic Connections

While the link between gum disease and heart problems is significant, your oral health also influences a spectrum of other systemic conditions. This underscores how poor dental health affects the body in multifaceted ways:

• Diabetes: There’s a bidirectional relationship between gum disease and diabetes. People with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease, and severe gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar levels. 
• Stroke: The same mechanisms that link gum disease to heart disease – inflammation and bacteria entering the bloodstream – also contribute to an increased risk of stroke. Reducing oral inflammation can therefore play a role in stroke prevention.
• Respiratory Infections: Bacteria from infected gums can be inhaled into the lungs, potentially leading to respiratory infections such as pneumonia, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems or existing lung conditions.
• Pregnancy Complications: For expectant mothers, severe gum disease has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight babies. Maintaining excellent oral health during pregnancy is crucial for both mother and baby.

Taking Action: Steps Towards a Healthier You

Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene

This is your first line of defense. Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under the gum line. Reducing inflammation through oral hygiene is a simple yet profoundly impactful daily habit.

Regular Dental Check-ups and Cleanings

Professional dental cleanings remove tartar (hardened plaque) that you cannot remove with brushing and flossing alone. Regular check-ups allow Dr. Hiers to identify and address early signs of gum disease or other oral health issues before they become more serious. We recommend visits every six months, but some individuals might benefit from more frequent cleanings based on their oral health needs.

Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle

A balanced diet, limiting sugary foods and drinks, avoiding tobacco products, and managing stress all contribute to a healthier mouth and a healthier body. Smoking is a significant risk factor for gum disease and heart disease, so quitting is one of the best steps you can take for your health.

Address Existing Gum Disease Promptly

If you already have signs of gum disease, don’t delay treatment. Dr. Hiers can provide effective periodontal therapy to halt the progression of the disease and restore gum health. Treating gum disease is a direct way to lower the chronic inflammatory load on your body.

Inform Your Dentist About Your Medical History

Share your complete medical history with Dr. Hiers, including any systemic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or autoimmune disorders. This information helps us provide comprehensive, integrated care that considers your whole body health.

Take Charge of Your Dental Health with Dr. Hiers

At Eastern Shore Smile Solutions, Dr. Hiers is dedicated to providing comprehensive dental care that looks beyond your teeth and gums, embracing the concept that whole body health starts with your mouth. We are here to partner with our communities in Cambridge and Easton on their journey to optimal health.

Reach out to Eastern Shore Smile Solutions and let Dr. Hiers and our caring team guide you. Call 410-228-4191 today to schedule your comprehensive oral health examination. We are proud to serve patients from Cambridge, Easton, Salisbury, Trappe, and Denton, helping you build a foundation for lifelong health, starting with your smile.