{"id":444,"date":"2022-02-09T21:15:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-09T21:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.richardfossumdds.com\/blog\/?p=444"},"modified":"2022-03-01T21:33:12","modified_gmt":"2022-03-01T21:33:12","slug":"heart-health-month-how-a-healthy-smile-encourages-a-healthy-heart","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.richardfossumdds.com\/blog\/heart-health-month-how-a-healthy-smile-encourages-a-healthy-heart\/","title":{"rendered":"The Relationship Between Oral and Heart Health"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Though many people associate February with Valentine\u2019s Day, it\u2019s also American Heart Health Month! This is a time dedicated to focusing on your cardiovascular health and learning how you can take better care of your heart. Eating well, exercising, and reducing stress are all ways to keep your heart in good condition, but how does your smile affect your cardiovascular health? Read on to learn how not maintaining good oral health<\/a> and developing issues like gum disease can hurt your heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Is Gum Disease?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gum disease is an infection of the gums that is most often the cause of poor oral hygiene. The first stage of gum disease, which is called gingivitis, is easy to treat and even reverse. It\u2019s characterized by gums that are red, tender, or inflamed. If it progresses into periodontitis, a more serious infection, this can lead to tooth loss, jawbone deterioration, and gum recession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Link Between Gum Disease & Your Heart<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You may be wondering: if gum disease is located in the mouth, how can it be linked to heart health? Untreated gum disease can spread beyond the oral cavity and lead to complications in other parts of the body. An article from Harvard Health Publishing found that people with gum infections are up to three times more likely than those without them to have a major cardiovascular event, like a heart attack or a stroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The article also discusses how prolonged inflammation can cause heart issues. Though acute inflammation helps fight infections and speeds up the healing process, chronic inflammation can contribute to several health problems, including atherosclerosis. This condition is characterized by a thickening or hardening of the arteries, which can result in strokes or heart attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Prevent Gum Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, gum disease is easy to prevent. The best ways to keep this oral health issue from developing include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n