{"id":648,"date":"2021-02-22T13:09:14","date_gmt":"2021-02-22T18:09:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cfad.net\/blog\/?p=648"},"modified":"2021-02-22T13:09:15","modified_gmt":"2021-02-22T18:09:15","slug":"american-heart-health-month-oral-hygiene","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cfad.net\/blog\/american-heart-health-month-oral-hygiene\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Taking Care of Your Oral Health Matters for Your Heart"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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February is a month where people often start planning special days and gifts for their valentine. However, did you also know that it\u2019s considered American Heart Health Month<\/a>? That makes it the perfect time to start thinking about ways you can take better care of your heart in the long-term. However, many people don\u2019t know that their oral health has more influence on their heart than they may realize. To learn more about this under reported connection, keep reading!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Gum Disease and Heart Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many people know that the leading cause of death in the United States is heart disease, but most don\u2019t know about the many years of research backing up the claim that dental disease could be more influential to heart health than what has been previously reported. In fact, research published at Harvard Medical School<\/a> noted that those with gum disease were two to three times more likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the potential connection needs to be studied further, researchers believe it may be tied to the increased levels of inflammation in the body. Since gum disease is in fact an infection, it can not only increase inflammation, but allow bacteria that\u2019s typically exclusive to the mouth to travel to other parts of the body through the bloodstream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We may already know about dental plaque that attacks enamel and leads to gum disease, but did you know that bacteria can permeate the barrier separating the mouth and the body and increase the risk of cardiovascular conditions, such as plaque buildup on the lining of the heart and the arteries?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thankfully, there are ways to avoid gum disease (and potentially heart disease) by taking a few simple steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Gum disease can develop even when you aren\u2019t aware of it, making it extremely important to maintain daily oral hygiene and stay on top of professional exams and cleanings. To reduce your risk of gum disease and ensure whole-body wellness along the way, make sure that you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n