When you think about taking care of your cardiovascular system, flossing probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. However, research suggests that maybe it should be! There’s a growing body of evidence that indicates healthy teeth and gums can boost the wellbeing of the rest of your body, while poor oral health can put you at risk of some serious systemic conditions. Since February is American Heart Month, there’s no better time to learn about how your heart and your smile are connected, and what you can do to keep them both healthy. Read on to learn more!
Connecting Oral Health & Cardiovascular Disease
While the eyes are often referred to as a window to the soul, your smile can be a window to your overall health. Over 90% of systemic, whole-body health conditions present symptoms in the mouth, including diabetes, osteoporosis, and several types of cancer. Similarly, certain oral health problems like cavities and gum disease have been linked to issues like respiratory infections, premature births, and memory loss.
The connection between cardiovascular health and gum disease has been of particular interest for many experts. While research is ongoing, studies indicate that the inflammation and bacteria associated with untreated gum disease has the potential to spread to the heart and damage it. Some research suggests that gum disease can increase a person’s risk of heart disease by up to 20%! Other studies have found that those with healthy teeth and gums tend to pay much less in cardiovascular care costs than those with poor oral health.
The Heart Health Benefits of Smiling
Taking care of your smile will prevent oral health conditions could that increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. However, that’s not the only way a healthy smile can help your heart! The very act of smiling has numerous effects that can benefit your cardiovascular system as well. Smiling triggers the release of feel-good chemicals in your brain, such as dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. As such, studies show that smiling reduces stress, promotes relaxation, and lowers blood pressure, which all work to protect the wellbeing of your heart. When you take good care of your oral health, you’ll be more confident about showing off your smile, which will further improve your cardiovascular health!
How to Keep Your Smile & Your Heart Healthy
The American Dental Association and the American Heart Association both recommend practicing simple but important habits to keep yourself healthy, like:
- Thoroughly brush your teeth and gums for two minutes twice a day
- Floss between all your teeth every day
- Eat a nutritious, low-sugar diet and stay hydrated
- See your dentist for routine checkups and cleanings twice a year
- Be on the lookout for any warning signs of gum disease (such as red, puffy gums that bleed easily) and take action against them right away.
Taking care of your mouth does a whole lot more than prevent cavities. When you maintain optimal oral health, your smile and your heart will thank you!
About the Author
Dr. Robert Blake of Beverly Farms Dental has been serving smiles of all ages in Beverly and the surrounding communities since 1986. Now with the help of Dr. Katherine Staniek, he’s proud to offer a truly comprehensive menu of dental services all under one roof. With the latest dental technology, cutting-edge techniques, and a friendly and welcoming office, he and his team go above and beyond to make keeping your oral health on track as easy and pleasant as possible. To schedule your next appointment, he can be contacted online or at (978) 927-3515.