{"id":372,"date":"2022-02-22T18:57:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-22T18:57:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.byarsdental.com\/blog\/?p=372"},"modified":"2022-03-22T19:02:43","modified_gmt":"2022-03-22T19:02:43","slug":"heart-health-month-gum-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.byarsdental.com\/blog\/2022\/02\/heart-health-month-gum-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Having Good Oral Care Habits is Good for Your Heart"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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February is mainly known for being the month of romance due to Valentine\u2019s Day, but it\u2019s also the time when Heart Health Month<\/a> is recognized by general practitioners and dentists alike. What many don\u2019t realize, however, is oral health can have an impact on the health of your cardiovascular system. As a result, more and more dentists are stressing the importance of the mouth\/heart connection. To learn more about their relationship and what you can do to perfect your oral care this February, keep reading!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Oral Health Could Impact Your Heart<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to studies completed by experts in cardiovascular science, there is an increasingly notable connection between the health of the mouth and its impact on the heart. For example, research has shown that those with gum disease, an infection of the gum tissue, can put you at two to three times greater risk of experiencing a heart-related event. This includes heart attacks and strokes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experts believe that one of the potential reasons poor oral habits could impact heart health is the presence of bacteria within the bloodstream. This can lead to infections of specific areas of the heart, such as the heart valves and other structures, preventing blood from moving to places where it\u2019s needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More research must be done to better understand this connection, but the potential risk is causing dentists to change their professional approach and recommendations for patients. It only further proves why routine checkups are essential to positive oral health and<\/em> whole-body wellness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Can You Do to Protect Your Smile?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Plaque buildup is the leading cause of gum disease, which means it must be removed daily to protect your smile. By keeping the following tips in mind, you\u2019ll not only reduce your risk dramatically, but potentially do favors for your heart health along the way:<\/p>\n\n\n\n