As experienced dental professionals, we often stress to patients the importance of regular checkups and cleanings. Basic oral care and routine dental visits can keep your mouth healthy and help ward off a variety of health problems. That includes heart disease, new research once again shows.

Researchers in Sweden previously found that people who have had a heart attack are more likely to suffer from gum disease than others. In a follow-up study, they also found that people already diagnosed with gum disease were more likely to develop new heart problems.

“Our study suggests that dental screening programmes including regular check-ups and education on proper dental hygiene may help to prevent first and subsequent heart events,” Dr. Giulia Ferrannini of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, said in a statement announcing the results.

The researchers tracked nearly 1,600 study participants, each of whom had at least one dental exam between 2010 and 2014. They followed up with the patients over the next few years, through 2018. Those who had gum disease at the beginning of the study were 49% more likely to have suffered from a heart attack, stroke or other conditions.

“We postulate that the damage of periodontal tissues in people with gum disease may facilitate the transfer of germs into the bloodstream,” Ferrannini said. “This could accelerate harmful changes to the blood vessels and/or enhance systemic inflammation that is harmful to the vessels.”

Why Checkups are Important

Regular checkups are not only essential to oral and overall health, they are also relatively quick and painless. With sedation dentistry and other options, that is true even for people who are nervous about seeing a dentist.

The primary benefit of a checkup is that it gives your dentist an opportunity to take a look inside your mouth and scan for early signs of trouble. The sooner those signs are spotted, the easier it is to treat them.

During the checkup, a dental professional will also thoroughly clean your teeth, removing harmful plaque and tartar that often builds up over time.

How a Fort Lauderdale Dentist Can Help

If you are due for a checkup, experiencing mouth pain or discomfort or simply interested in improving your smile, Fort Lauderdale dentist Natalia Benda-Celenski and her team at Pearl White Dentistry can help. 

Dr. Natalia has dedicated her career to providing comprehensive and personalized dental services for people across South Florida. Do not just take out word for it: Pearl White patients often glow about their experience.

Whether you need a routine checkup and cleaning, are considering Invisalign to address crowded teeth or are thinking about cosmetic dentistry options, we will take the time to understand your situation and walk you through your options. We work with a wide range of insurance plans and are happy to assist with patient financing.Contact us online, call us at (954) 491-8812, or email us at dr@pearlwhitedentistry.com to schedule an appointment with a Fort Lauderdale dentist.

Toothaches are a fairly common occurrence that can be caused by a number of different factors. They are often the sign of oral health issues that should be addressed promptly before they get worse.

That means going to see a dentist. Do not be like the British woman who reportedly tried to remove her own tooth with a pair of pliers. Let an experienced dental professional help.

At Pearl White Dentistry, we have been brightening smiles in Fort Lauderdale and across South Florida for more than a decade. We provide a wide range of services, from regular checkups and cleanings to cosmetic work and emergency response.

If you are experiencing a dental emergency in South Florida, call Pearl White at (954) 491-8812. The sooner you call, the sooner we can help you address the emergency and restore your smile.

Common Causes of Toothaches

Most people have experienced at least minor tooth pain or discomfort at some point. If the pain is severe or does not subside, it is vital to seek treatment from a dentist.

Some of the most common causes of tooth pain include:

• Tooth decay
• Chipped or broken tooth
• Abscessed tooth
• Gum disease or infection
• Teeth grinding

In addition to sharp and persistent pain, toothaches may also come with swelling around the tooth and gums, a headache or fever, and foul odors from the site of the pain.

Is it an Emergency?

It is important to consult a dentist for any tooth pain that does not immediately subside. There are also some steps you can take at home to temporarily treat the pain.

Rinse your mouth out with warm salt water to remove any debris and treat inflammation. Take over-the-counter medication for the pain and apply a cold compress to the area where you are experiencing pain. 

If your mouth is bleeding, the first step is to try to stop the bleeding. After rinsing, apply pressure to the bleeding site. Go to an emergency room if the bleeding does not stop or significantly slow in about 10 minutes. If the bleeding stops, apply a cold compress to the area to keep swelling down and contact an emergency dentist.

Make an Appointment with a Fort Lauderdale Dentist Today

If you are experiencing tooth pain, due for a checkup, or want to explore options for improving your smile, Fort Lauderdale dentist Natalia Benda-Celenski and her team at Pearl White Dentistry can help.

Whether you need a routine cleaning, are considering Invisalign to address crowded teeth or are thinking about teeth whitening solutions, we will take the time to understand your situation and walk you through your options. We are experienced dental professionals who work with a wide range of insurance plans. We are also happy to assist with patient financing. Contact us online, call us at (954) 491-8812, or email us at dr@pearlwhitedentistry.com to schedule an appointment with a Fort Lauderdale dentist.