Ever think about your heart health while brushing your teeth?
Healthy teeth play a role in a healthy heart. Oral health is about so much more than just the health of the mouth, teeth, and gums. Because the mouth is a primary entryway into the body, poor oral health can have negative consequences for the entire body. Teeth that ache, gums that bleed, and breath that smells bad are all indicators of poor oral health. Bacteria from the mouth can easily get into the bloodstream and cause infection and inflammation wherever it spreads.
American Heart Association states that problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body and, in particular, people with gum disease are often more likely to have heart disease than people with healthy gums.
Having poor oral health puts a person at risk for heart disease. If the gums are inflamed due to the bacteria that cause periodontal disease, that same bacteria can actually get into the bloodstream causing the arteries to build up plaque and harden. This hardening of the arteries is called atherosclerosis, and it is very serious. It leads to blood flow problems and heart blockages, and it increases the likelihood of having a heart attack. The damaging impact on the arteries and blood vessels can lead to hypertension and increase the risk of strokes. Endocarditis can also develop, which is an often-fatal condition that occurs when the lining of the heart becomes infected.
Try these daily tips for maintaining good oral health:
Brush teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.
Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner.
Stop smoking
Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.
Visit your dentist regularly for oral examinations and professional cleanings.
Caring for your heart may begin with caring for your smile. Giving attention to oral hygiene may not only give you a bright smile, but it may just keep your heart healthy too! Dyer Dental Care can help you with your dental needs. Learn more or schedule an appointment today.
February month is celebrated as National Heart Month. "Healthy Smile, Healthy Heart" is a campaign we created to spread awareness about heart health and dental health. We humbly requesting every reader to spread the importance of heart health and dental health by sharing the information with your friends and family. Also now you can enter a 50$ gift card raffle by being part of our healthy smile healthy heart awareness campaign. Please see the poster for the rules.
Learn more about heart health and brushing habits https://www.heart.org/en/news/2018/11/07/bad-tooth-brushing-habits-tied-to-higher-heart-risk
Learn more about heart health https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/education-and-awareness/heart-month