{"id":30,"date":"2023-02-04T00:05:41","date_gmt":"2023-02-04T00:05:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mynorthbethesdadentist.com\/blog\/?p=30"},"modified":"2023-03-04T00:06:02","modified_gmt":"2023-03-04T00:06:02","slug":"link-between-oral-health-and-heart","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mynorthbethesdadentist.com\/blog\/?p=30","title":{"rendered":"The Connection Between Your Smile & Your Heart"},"content":{"rendered":"
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February is not just a celebration of the love you have in your life, but your literal heart! It is American Heart Month, which means there is no better time to pay special attention to one of the most important organs of your body. Since heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, you will want to do everything you can to care for it. But did you realize that heart health is not just about watching what you eat and exercising? Your oral health<\/a> can directly impact it as well. Here\u2019s how the state of your mouth and your heart are connected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Oral Health Can Affect the Heart<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the main parts of your mouth that can impact your heart is your gums! Multiple studies have revealed that people with gum disease are more likely to suffer from various other health issues, including heart disease. It\u2019s estimated that gum disease increases a person\u2019s risk for heart issues by roughly 20%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, why does the health of your gums affect your heart health? When gum disease is left untreated, it can lead to inflammation in the rest of the body. This can result in the narrowing of your arteries, thus increasing the risk of a heart attack. Additionally, the bacteria that cause gum disease may enter your bloodstream, allowing them to travel to the heart and cause an infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can You Protect Your Oral Health and <\/em>Heart Health?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In order to protect your heart, it\u2019s essential to take the essential steps to prevent gum disease and keep your mouth as healthy as possible. After all, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 42% of people suffer from some stage of inflammation of the gums. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to maintain excellent oral hygiene:<\/p>\n\n\n\n