{"id":141,"date":"2023-02-22T15:59:13","date_gmt":"2023-02-22T15:59:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.westlakehillsdentalarts.com\/blog\/?p=141"},"modified":"2023-12-18T20:26:36","modified_gmt":"2023-12-18T20:26:36","slug":"oral-health-and-heart-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.westlakehillsdentalarts.com\/blog\/2023\/02\/22\/oral-health-and-heart-health\/","title":{"rendered":"How Taking Care of Your Smile Can Help Protect Your Heart"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Since February is American Heart Month, now is a good time to consider how your oral health can affect your cardiovascular health. You might not think that taking care of your mouth<\/a> will do your heart much good, but the connection between the two is stronger than you might think. Here\u2019s what you need to know about the relationship between your smile and your heart \u2013 and what you can do to protect both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s the Link Between Oral Health and Your Heart?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The health of your gums in particular can be a major contributing factor for cardiovascular problems. Many studies have shown that people with gum disease are two to three times more likely to experience heart attacks or strokes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One explanation for this connection is that the bacteria involved with gum disease can enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammation in different parts of the body. Inflammation leads to hardened arteries that make it more difficult for blood to flow to the heart. Also, if the harmful bacteria reach the heart, they might cause an infection of the valves and inner lining known as endocarditis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The connection between gum disease and heart problems is still being researched. In the meantime, if you\u2019re worried about your heart health, you need to start giving serious thought about the care that you\u2019re giving your gums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can You Protect Your Mouth and Your Heart?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Preventing gum disease in no way guarantees that you won\u2019t develop heart problems, but it can help you avoid a major risk factor. To protect your gums from infection, follow these simple steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n