PDS Health Emphasizes the Dental-Heart Health Connection
PDS Health, a prominent integrated healthcare support organization, raises awareness each February, during American Heart Month, about the critical relationship between dental visits and heart health. Regular dental check-ups play a paramount role in preventing heart disease, which remains the leading cause of death in the United States.
Recent studies underscore the links between periodontal disease and serious cardiovascular conditions like heart attacks and strokes. The American Heart Association (AHA) has released compelling findings that illustrate how gum disease can increase the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, a term encompassing various heart-related afflictions caused by artery plaque accumulation.
Carolyn Ghazal, DDS, and Executive Vice President at PDS Health, highlights, "Consistent dental visits are essential for diagnosing and preventing periodontal issues, which ultimately support good heart health. For some patients, dental appointments might be their only chance to connect with healthcare professionals in a year. This presents an opportunity for oral healthcare providers to identify risk factors for heart diseases and collaborate with primary care teams for integrated care."
Blood pressure screenings in dental practices are strongly advocated by both the AHA and the American Dental Association as standard practice during routine appointments. These screenings are invaluable in identifying patients potentially suffering from hypertension, a major risk factor for heart disease.
PDS Health has witnessed the profound impact of such screenings, with patients promptly seeking medical help after discovering severe hypertension during their dental visits, reflecting the essential role dental professionals play in patient wellbeing.
Beyond blood pressure checks, PDS Health is dedicated to fostering awareness about the Mouth-Body Connection, actively educating clinicians and patients year-round on the significant effects of oral health on overall health. Their dental offices are distributing the latest issue of Generations of Smiles, a digital magazine aimed at supporting patients in understanding this connection. The February edition highlights the link between dental and heart health, the necessity for blood pressure monitoring, nutritional advice adhering to updated dietary guidelines, and much more.
PDS Health’s approach expands beyond simple dental care; it integrates comprehensive healthcare support to facilitate better health outcomes for patients across the nation. For further details about PDS Health's integrated care model, you can explore their website at pdshealth.com.
About PDS Health
PDS Health continues its legacy established by Pacific Dental Services in 1994 with a vision to transform healthcare by merging dental and medical services. Its philosophy centers around the correlation between oral health and overall wellness, promoting healthier outcomes for patients while setting new standards in the healthcare sector. As a leading provider of integrated healthcare solutions, PDS Health offers a wide array of services designed to enhance care delivery and operational efficiency for healthcare providers throughout the U.S. To learn more about PDS Health and its impactful vision, visit pdshealth.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the connection between oral health and heart health?
The condition of your oral health can influence your risk of serious heart conditions, like heart disease, highlighting the importance of regular dental visits.
Why are regular dental visits important for heart health?
Regular dental visits can help detect periodontal disease early, which is linked to various cardiovascular diseases, allowing for timely intervention.
What screenings are recommended during dental visits?
Blood pressure screenings are strongly recommended as part of routine dental care to identify patients who may have hypertension.
How does PDS Health support integrated care?
PDS Health integrates dental and medical services, emphasizing the connection between oral health and overall wellness to provide a comprehensive healthcare experience.
Where can I find more information about PDS Health's services?
More information regarding PDS Health's integrated care approach can be found on their official website, pdshealth.com.
