Link Between Heart Disease & Oral Health

Link Between Heart Disease & Oral Health
How does oral health relate to heart disease?
February is American Heart Month, and while we’re flooded with all the usual advice (eat right, exercise, reduce cholesterol and blood pressure), there’s something else that most people don’t associate with preventing heart disease: good oral health.

How does oral health to relate to heart disease?
  • Chronic inflammation from gum disease can cause inflammation in all arterial walls in the body.
  • Bacteria from gum disease can travel through the blood stream and become arterial plaque.
  • Bacteria from tooth decay can form an abscess, sending the infection into the arteries.
How can you reduce your risk?
  • Brush, floss, and get gum disease treated.
  • Address and control tooth decay.
  • Get an interleukin-1 saliva test to identify your genetic risk of coronary artery disease and periodontal disease.
  • Eat an anti-inflammatory diet by limiting sugar and salt, eliminating processed foods, and eating plenty of produce.
  • Limit alcohol.
  • Work closely with your physician and dentist.
Listen in as Dr. Susan Maples shares how proper oral hygiene is good for your heart.

Additional Info

  • Segment Number: 2
  • Audio File: health_radio/1607ml5b.mp3
  • Featured Speaker: Susan Maples, DDS
  • Organization: Blabber Mouth!
  • Book Title: Blabber Mouth!
  • Guest Website: Dr. Susan Maples
  • Guest Bio: Dr. Susan MaplesDr. Susan Maples is a Lansing, Michigan area native and has practiced dentistry in Holt for 27 years.

    “Dentistry is a blessing to me,” says Susan. “I can’t imagine anything I’d rather be doing than this! It’s a joy to make such a positive difference in the lives of my patients and team members.”

    As a life-long student under some of the most renowned teachers in her field, she has successfully blurred the lines between work and play. Enhancing her education is not just a responsibility she holds dear, but a passionate hobby.

    Susan is a graduate of East Lansing High School, Denison University (BS), University of Michigan (DDS) and Madonna University (MSBA).  Her extensive post-doctorate training in advanced dental studies includes:

  • The Dawson Academy: TMJ, Occlusion and Advanced Restoration
  • Spear Education: Occlusion, Complex Restoration and Cosmetics
  • Louisiana State University Cosmetics Continuum
  • Kois Center: Occlusion, Complex Restoration and Cosmetics
  • Turbyfill Seminars in advanced denture techniques
  • Six Month Smiles: Short term orthodontics

    • As an active member in two advanced study clubs she studies with peers who are also leaders in advanced restorative, relationship-based dentistry:

    R.L. Fraser and Associates: National Study Club

    Terry Goss and Associates : Safety Harbor Study Club

    Dr. Maples is an active member in the following organizations:

  • American Dental Associates
  • Michigan Dental Association
  • Central District Dental Society
  • AADPA: American Academy of Dental Practice Administration
  • American College of Dentists
  • American Academy of Facial Esthetics
  • American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

    • In 1999 Dr. Susan was recognized as a leader in professional ethics and was tapped into the honorary society of the American College of Dentists. She participates in the ethics and practice management curriculums at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry.

    Susan speaks to dental groups throughout the country in the areas of leadership, team-building, advanced case planning and acceptance, relationship-based target marketing, and growing healthy kids in your dental practice.

    With all of her work in advanced dental restoration, Dr. Susan has never outgrown her love for working with children. She is the author and originator of the Hands-On Learning Lab ™ Kit for children, and is being recognized nationally for making a significant difference in children’s oral and physical health.

    Susan feels it is also important to give back to her community. Her entire team donates time and care for people who are vulnerable, disabled, medically compromised or financially distraught. She is eager to speak before services organizations or promote children’s health with hands-on learning in our schools. She writes a monthly dental column in Healthy and Fit Magazine and is published in several nationally recognized dental journals including Dental Economics and the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association.

    When she’s not practicing dentistry, Susan enjoys leadership coaching, team building and organizational development for several businesses outside of dentistry including Trinity Church.

    In her free time Susan loves to hang with her 18-year old son, Hunter. She enjoys skiing (on snow and water), snowboarding, running, weight training, cooking and art.
  • Length (mins): 10
  • Waiver Received: No
  • Host: Melanie Cole, MS
Published in Health Radio
Tagged under
More in this category: « Estrogen's Impact on Lung Cancer in Women The Girl's Guide to Vitamins at Every Age »