How Does Your Smile Keep Your Heart Healthy?

When February rolls around, most people are preoccupied with buying gifts and treats for their loved ones for Valentine’s Day. Even though this holiday steals the spotlight every year, there’s another significant reason why we should be celebrating – it’s American Heart Month! Because our heart is a powerful muscle that we owe our lives to, taking proper care of it is incredibly important. It may surprise you to learn that keeping your heart healthy starts with your smile. Read on to learn about the connection between oral health and cardiovascular health.

The Link Between Oral Health and Your Heart

Studies have revealed a connection between oral infections and heart disease. The bloodstream serves as transportation for harmful bacteria, which can accumulate and contribute to certain oral health issues like abscesses and gum disease. An abscess is a pus-filled sac that develops at the tip of an infected tooth or in the gums to the side of the tooth in question. Meanwhile, gum disease is an infection that causes your soft oral tissues to bleed and swell. If you fail to seek treatment for it, it can cause your gums to pull away from your teeth. Not only that, but it can cause an abscess to dissolve into the body, meaning the infection can spread and become life-threatening.

How Does Gum Disease Affect Your Cardiovascular Health?

Periodontal disease (or gum disease) is often the result of plaque buildup. Unless you seek treatment, it can result in bleeding gums, chewing problems, and even tooth loss. Studies have discovered a connection between gum disease and heart disease. Apparently, people with gum disease are two to three times more likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or another cardiovascular event.

Heart attacks typically happen when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked by a blood clot. If the clot stops blood flow completely, the part of the muscle supplied by the affected artery begins to die. The good news is that you can lower your risk of these issues by taking proper care of your teeth and gums.

Tips to Keep Your Heart Healthy

Here are a few steps you can take to minimize plaque buildup and keep your heart healthy:

• Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time using fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss daily to remove plaque and leftover food particles from the nooks and crannies in your mouth.
• Visit your dentist regularly for a checkup and cleaning to address any oral health problems early on.
• Avoid smoking or using tobacco products as those poor habits can increase your risk of gum disease.

Ultimately, one of the best ways to keep your heart healthy is by keeping your smile healthy. By following the tips outlined above, you can ensure your overall health remains in its best shape!

About the Practice

At Oshkosh Complete Family Dentistry, we offer exceptional and comprehensive dental services that the entire family can enjoy. Our team strives to treat every patient like a member of our very own family. We enjoy educating our patients to help them make confident and informed decisions for their oral health. For more ways to keep your heart healthy, visit our website or call (920) 235-0320.