If you’re trying to promote a healthier cardiovascular system, then you’ll likely consider eating more nutritious foods or hitting the gym more often. However, you won’t want to forget about maintaining your smile! According to recent studies, those with unhealthy pearly whites and gums can end up at a higher risk of serious systemic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease. With February being American Heart Health Month, now’s a great time to learn how important your smile is to your heart and ways to maintain both.
The Link Between Your Heart Health & Oral Health
Your mouth is technically a window to your overall health. Not only is this where your digestive system begins, but it’s also the main entryway into the rest of your body. For this reason, over 90% of systemic health issues like diabetes, osteoporosis, kidney disease, and cancer can show indications in the oral cavity that can be found by a dentist. Furthermore, unaddressed oral health problems typically result in a higher risk of concerns like lung infections, premature births, and even memory loss.
One of the more compelling connections is the one between gum disease and heart health. Those with infected gums have a much higher chance of experiencing cardiovascular events like a stroke or heart attack. This can mostly be due to the harmful bacteria and inflammation in the gums spreading to the rest of the body via the bloodstream. Although research continues, most evidence shows that gingivitis can increase a person’s chance of cardiovascular disease by 20% or more.
How Your Smile Benefits Your Heart
A major reason to maintain a healthy smile is to prevent future problems that can raise your risks of more serious issues, such as heart disease. However, taking care of your teeth will also make you feel better about your appearance, encouraging you to smile more often. According to recent studies on the effects of smiling, the simple act of grinning can help release dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins in the brain. In turn, this can lower your blood pressure, improve relaxation, and minimize stress, all of which can boost your heart health!
5 Essential Ways to Maintain Your Pearly Whites
If you want to preserve beautiful and healthy pearly whites to promote a better cardiovascular system, you’ll want to implement certain important habits, including:
- Brushing your teeth and gum line for two full minutes every day
- Flossing at least once a day or after every meal (and rinsing often with mouthwash)
- Sticking to a nutrient-rich, low-sugar diet and drinking lots of water
- Checking for warning signs of gingivitis and addressing them right away
- Visiting your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings biannually
Fighting off cavities isn’t the only reason to maintain great oral health! With a beautiful and healthy smile, you can also ensure a much stronger heart in the long run.
About the Author
Dr. Eric Buck studied at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. He regularly pursues continuing education to refine his skills and is a member of several organizations like the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. He offers a long list of high-quality services, including dental checkups/cleanings, oral cancer screening, and periodontal therapy. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call 740-392-6156.