Every year around this time, people start putting together plans for Valentine’s Day. There are restaurant reservations to be made, heart-shaped boxes of chocolates to buy, and Valentine’s cards for the kids to take to school.

But there’s another way that hearts and February intersect—it’s Heart Health Month.

What, you might wonder, does that have to do with dentistry?

It means talking to our Lehigh Valley patients about the connection between gum disease and heart disease. The connection between these two isn’t 100% clear, but studies have shown that gum disease can have an impact on other kinds of health conditions.

How?

Through the gap that gum disease creates between the gum line and teeth. Bacteria and plaque can pass through that gap, gaining access to the bloodstream and, from there, to other parts of the body.

Does that mean a patient with gum disease will have a heart attack?

No. But it does show that your oral health and your overall health aren’t separated; the human body is a complete unit—what happens in one part can have consequences for another.

In that light, seeing Dr. Salivonchik for regular appointments isn’t just about taking care of your smile, it’s about taking care of your overall health. Call Dr. Salivonchik’s office if you need to schedule an appointment. We serve patients from Coplay, Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, The Poconos, and other surrounding areas.