Heart Health Month: All the Ways Your Dental Health and Heart are Connected

February is Heart Health Month! Did you know that your dental health and heart health are connected? Believe it or not, there is a strong correlation between the two. Poor oral hygiene can lead to heart disease, and heart disease can lead to poor oral hygiene. It’s a vicious cycle! In this blog post, we will discuss the connection between dental health and heart health, and how you can keep both of them healthy!

Heart Health Month

This is a month of awareness meant to educate and inform people about ways to prevent and treat heart disease. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in both men and women in not only the United States, but worldwide. While many people know about the dangers of heart disease, most don’t know the connection that it has to oral health.

The Connection Between Your Heart and Dental Health

Despite being in separate parts of the body, your heart and mouth are more connected than you might think. Heart health is directly linked to oral health, so taking care of your teeth can help protect you from developing any cardiovascular issues. Studies have shown that:

• Gum disease (periodontitis) is associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease.
• Poor dental health increases the risk of a bacterial infection in the bloodstream, which can affect the heart valves. Oral health may be particularly important if you have artificial heart valves.
• Tooth loss patterns are connected to coronary artery disease.
• There is a strong connection between diabetes and cardiovascular disease and evidence that people with diabetes benefit from periodontal treatment.

Heart disease can affect oral health because it is so easily spread through the bloodstream. Gum disease itself does not cause heart disease, but if you have gum disease you are at a greater risk of developing cardiovascular issues.

Heart Health Month Tips for Dental Care

While most people are probably already aware of the importance of oral hygiene, this month is a good reminder to make sure you are taking care of your teeth! Here are some tips for healthy dental care during the Heart Health Month:

• Check-up & Cleaning – Make sure to book an appointment with your dentist for a regular dental check-up and cleaning. Your dentist can check for any signs of gum disease, dental issues, or other oral health problems.
• Oral Health Plan – Ask your dentist about an oral health plan to help you brush and floss properly.
• Mouth Guards – If you participate in contact sports, make sure to wear a protective mouth guard while playing. Also talk to your dentist about other ways to protect your teeth while playing sports.
• Quit Smoking – If you smoke cigarettes, now is the time to quit! Smokers are twice as likely to develop gum disease than non-smokers, so now is the best time to kick that habit before it can negatively affect your oral health. Make sure you brush and floss regularly to help eliminate the stains caused by smoking.

Other Healthcare Tips

In addition to caring for your smile, it’s important to think about caring for your overall health, too. To get started on the right track, follow these tips!

• Start Exercising – Get your blood pumping and your heart rate up with some exercise. It’s a great way to improve heart health and keep all of your organs healthy! Check in with your dentist before starting any new exercise routine, especially if you haven’t worked out in the past.
• Eat Healthy – You might think it’s a no-brainer, but what you put in your mouth does affect how your heart functions. Avoid high-fat and high-sugar foods, eat more fruits and vegetables, and reduce the amount of salt you consume.
• Start to Track Your Health – Keep track of any symptoms or issues that arise from cardiovascular diseases or oral health problems! If you notice any problems, don’t hesitate to talk with your healthcare provider.

Take Care of Your Teeth During Heart Health Month!

During Heart Health Month, it’s important to take care of both your heart health and dental health. At Stonebrook Family Dental, we want you to have a strong and healthy smile for the rest of your life. We provide a range of services from regular check-ups and cleanings to help you maintain a healthy smile all year long. To schedule your next appointment at our family dentist office, give us a call at (303) 872-7907. We look forward to caring for your smile!