JACKSONVILLE, N.C., — As Father’s Day approaches, experts from the Carolina Dental Specialty Center are encouraging families to prioritize dental hygiene, emphasizing its critical role in cardiovascular health. The center, led by Dr. Jose I. Arauz, a board-certified periodontist, urges everyone, but especially dads, to commit to oral care as a meaningful Father’s Day gift to themselves and loved ones.

Research shows a strong link between oral health and heart disease. Poor dental hygiene can lead to gum disease, or periodontitis, allowing bacteria to enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation that may contribute to heart disease, stroke and clogged arteries. According to the American Heart Association, individuals with gum disease are up to three times more likely to face a heart attack or stroke.

“Good oral health is more than a confident smile — it’s a shield for your heart,” said Arauz, chief dental officer of Carolina Dental Specialty Center and a pioneer in robotic dental implants. “This Father’s Day, we’re calling on dads to lead the way by encouraging their families to embrace brushing, flossing and regular checkups as simple steps to protect their long-term health.”

Dental health impacts men and women differently. Men are more likely to neglect oral care, with studies showing they visit dentists less frequently than women, increasing their risk of gum disease and related cardiovascular issues, a leading cause of death among men. For fathers, prioritizing dental care supports heart health to stay active with their kids and sets a strong example for their families.

Women, however, also face their own unique risks due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause or contraceptive use, which can heighten gingivitis and gum disease. Untreated, these conditions may elevate cardiovascular risks, especially for women with pre-existing heart conditions. Carolina Dental Specialty Center offers tailored care, including advanced periodontal treatments and robotic dental implants, to address these needs.

Since 2007, the Carolina Dental Specialty Center has served the eastern Carolinas, becoming the region’s only practice to use the Yomi robotic dental system, the sole FDA-cleared robot-assisted dental surgery system in the U.S.

Arauz, who has performed countless robotic surgeries, leverages this technology for precise, minimally invasive dental implants, reducing discomfort and recovery times.

This Father’s Day, the Carolina Dental Specialty Center invites the community to prioritize dental health.

“Dads are often the backbone of their families, but they can’t support their loved ones without caring for themselves,” Arauz said. “A dental checkup or screening is a small act of self-care that can lead to a healthier, longer life.”

To celebrate the importance of maintaining proper oral hygiene, Carolina Dental Specialty Center is offering free summer swag bags for first-time patients who request cleanings and screenings while supplies last.

Appointments can be scheduled by calling 910-577-1315 or visiting CarolinaDSC.com. The center also provides educational resources to help families maintain oral hygiene year-round.

“We’re dedicated to empowering our community with advanced care and knowledge,” Arauz added. “This Father’s Day, let’s honor dads by encouraging them to invest in their health, starting with their smile.”

About The Carolina Dental Specialty Center:

The Carolina Dental Specialty Center specializes in periodontics, robotic dental implants, and oral medicine. Dr. Arauz is a board-certified periodontist trained in dental implant robotics, as well as a Diplomate of The American Board of Periodontology and an active member of the American Academy of Periodontology, the Academy of Osseointegration and the American Board of Periodontology.

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