It’s officially February, which means Valentine’s Day is probably all that’s on your mind right now. However, this month is special for another reason – it’s American Heart Month! Believe it or not, one of the best ways to keep your heart healthy is by taking proper care of your smile. Although it may not seem obvious, the two are more intertwined than you think. That said, here’s what you should know about the connection between your oral health and your cardiovascular health.
The Connection Between Your Smile and Your Heart
It may surprise you to learn that gum disease is what ties the heart to your smile. It’s an infection of the soft oral tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth, affecting nearly half of all adults over the age of 30. If you fail to seek treatment for it, it can lead to complications like gum recession, loose teeth, tooth loss, and even jawbone deterioration.
When harmful bacteria pass through the soft tissue, they can enter the bloodstream and attack your immune system, potentially causing inflammation within the blood vessels. As a result, you may experience a heart attack, stroke, or another cardiovascular event due to a blockage formed by a blood clot. Although it’s still unclear what the connection is between gum disease and heart disease, it’s known that a person with gum disease is three times more likely to experience these cardiovascular problems than the average person.
How Can You Keep Your Heart Healthy?
Even though gum disease is relatively common, you can easily prevent it by taking a few simple precautions. Some of those include:
- Brushing twice a day. It’s incredibly important that you brush at least twice a day for two minutes each time. It helps eliminate plaque and bacteria from your teeth and along the gumline.
- Flossing daily. Brushing alone is not enough to keep your smile healthy. You need to floss at least once a day to remove harmful substances from the nooks and crannies your toothbrush can’t reach, such as between the teeth and beneath the gum line.
- Avoid poor dental habits. Smoking and using tobacco products can significantly increase your risk of gum disease and oral cancer. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor, friends, and family for help.
- Visiting your dentist. Having a checkup and cleaning every six months is a great way to monitor your gums and catch any problems early on.
- Minimizing your risks. Several factors can contribute to your likelihood of developing gum disease, such as your age, diet, and genetics.
Don’t forget to prioritize your health this Valentine’s Day. By following the tips outlined above, you can prevent gum disease and keep your heart in its very best shape!
About the Practice
At Brice Dental, we go above and beyond to make every single one of your dental appointments as satisfying, enjoyable, and stress-free as possible. Our team is passionate about establishing meaningful relationships with our patients that last a lifetime. For more ways to keep your heart healthy, visit our website or call (210) 903-5565.