Keep Your Heart Healthy by Caring for Your Smile

February is here, so you’re probably thinking about your Valentine’s Day date that’s coming up. However, there is more than one reason to be thinking about your heart this time of year. February is American Heart Health Month, so there is no better time than to be evaluating your cardiovascular wellbeing. Once of the ways that you can work to keep your heart in good health is by caring for your smile. The two have much more in common than you may think. Read on to learn more about how they are related and some tips for keeping them both in excellent shape!

How Are Oral and Cardiovascular Health Related?

Gum disease is a common problem faced by adults. In fact, about half of people over the age of 30 in the United States are suffering from the condition at one stage or another. Gum disease is defined as an infection of the tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth. When it’s left without treatment, it can progress, causing irreversible issues, including gum recession, loose teeth, tooth loss, and jawbone deterioration.

This infection is not limited to the oral cavity. People with gum disease are more likely to endure other health issues, including both diabetes and heart disease. It isn’t clear exactly what the connection is, but it’s believed that people with gum disease are three times more likely to experience a heart attack, stroke, or another serious cardiovascular event in the long run.

How Is Gum Disease Prevented?

As common as gum disease is, it’s actually easy to prevent. Here are some steps that you can take to reduce your risk of developing it:

• Brush Twice Daily: To remove food debris, plaque, and bacteria from your smile, you need to be brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoridated toothpaste. Don’t forget to give your tongue a scrub too!
• Floss Every Day: Brushing isn’t enough on its own. You need to floss in order to remove both plaque and bacteria from between the teeth and beneath the gumline.
• Don’t Smoke: Smoking doubles your risk of developing gum disease and is linked to oral cancer. Talk to your friends, family, and doctor about the best ways to give up this harmful habit for good.
• Schedule Checkups: Every six months, you should see your dentist for a cleaning and checkup. They will be able to determine whether you’d benefit from gum disease therapy.
• Understand Your Risk: Certain facts can increase your risk of developing gum disease, like age, genetics, and diet.

By using the tips listed above, you can prevent gum disease and maintain a strong, healthy heart!

About the Author

Dr. Steven Kendrick is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for over two decades. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry and furthered his education from the Misch International Implant Institute. Currently, he’s a proud member of the American Dental Association, Oklahoma Dental Association, Oklahoma Dental Society, and Academy of General Dentistry. If you struggle with gum disease, he’d be happy to help. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Midwest City, visit his website or call (405) 732-0431.