February is Heart Health Month, which is the perfect time to learn how to enhance your cardiac condition. From changing your diet to heading to the gym, there are plenty of ways you and your loved ones can encourage better wellbeing! But did you know keeping your teeth clean is just as important for your cardiovascular health? Your local dentist in Harker Heights can explain how having a healthy smile helps keep a strong heart.
The Connection Between Heart Health and Gum Disease
Gum disease is a bacterial infection that initially causes swollen or puffy gums, also known as gingivitis. If left untreated, it can worsen into periodontitis where the bacteria are powerful enough to weaken the connective tissues that stabilize the teeth.
If these dangerous bacteria escape into the arteries, it can journey to other parts of the body, like the heart. Should the bacteria and the inflammation it causes reach the inner linings or valves of the heart, this can lead to a higher risk of dangerous issues like a heart attack.
5 Tips to Prevent Gum Disease
Making sure your teeth are top-notch is the first step to avoiding periodontal disease altogether. Here are five of the best ways to decrease your risk:
- Brush Twice Daily: Along with brushing for at least two minutes, be sure to give even more attention to your gum line.
- Make Flossing Your Best Friend: Your toothbrush does a good job clearing the majority of debris, but your floss is a great tool for removing plaque from between the teeth. By reaching where your brush can’t, they make a dynamic duo!
- Visit Your Dentist Every Six Months: While brushing and flossing are your main team, your dentist is the cornerstone to your dental health. They’ll examine, clean, and address any dental issues or concerns before they become worse.
- Drop All Tobacco Use: Tobacco is one of the main causes for oral cancer and other dental issues. Your smile, along with your overall wellbeing, will be better off without these products.
- Learn About Your Dispositions: Sometimes your specific situation can be influenced by your diet, age, and even genetics. With these come their own risk factors, so speaking with your dentist about them can help.
A healthy smile not only looks and feels great, but it’s also extremely vital to protecting your heart health. By taking a few preventive measures, practicing good dental hygiene, and visiting your dentist regularly, you can ensure your teeth and heart are in good hands!
About the Practice
Market Heights Family Dental offers top-quality dental services with an aim for “lifetime care.” By using the latest in technology and expertise, their team provides a variety of treatments, including preventive dentistry. If you want to know more about the relation between heart health and gum disease, check out their website or call (254) 699-3565.