The first thing you think about when you think of February is probably Valentine’s Day, but there is more than one reason why you should be thinking about the wellbeing of your heart. This month is Heart Health Month. There is no better time to learn more about how your cardiovascular health and your smile are related. In order to keep your heart in healthy shape, you need to be focusing on your oral hygiene. Continue reading to find out why.
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a very common issue throughout the country. Approximately half of all American adults who are over the age of 30 are suffering from some stage of this condition. It is an infection of the tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth. If it is left without treatment, it can progress to the point where it causes irreversible problems, including gum recession, loose teeth, tooth loss, and bone shrinkage.
Unfortunately, gum disease is not limited to the oral cavity. It is linked to all sorts of different health problems throughout the body, including diabetes and heart disease. It isn’t exactly clear what the exact connection between the two is, but the inflammation that develops from periodontitis is likely a contributor. People who have periodontal disease are three times more likely to experience a heart attack, stroke, or another serious cardiovascular event.
Even though gum disease is very common, it is also easy to prevent. Here are some of the steps that you should be taking in order to keep your gums in healthy shape:
Take the steps listed above, not just for your smile, but for the health of your heart as well. You could even be prolonging your life!
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