Why Keeping Your Heart Healthy Starts With Your Smile

February is known for being the month of love. However, that isn’t the only reason there are hearts everywhere – it’s also American Heart Month. Since 1964, the second month of the year has been dedicated to spreading awareness about cardiovascular health. In an effort to improve your own heart health, you may be inspired to eat better or be more active, but don’t forget to add a solid oral hygiene regimen to your list of to-dos. Keep reading to learn why!

The Link Between Heart Health and Oral Health, Explained

A neglected infection anywhere in your body can be risky. However, since your mouth is the entryway to your digestive tract and is located so close to your brain, harmful bacteria from conditions like gum disease can be especially dangerous. In fact, patients with gum disease are two to three times more likely to experience a cardiovascular event, like a heart attack. Fortunately, this dental issue is largely preventable with a solid oral hygiene routine in place.

5 Important Prevention Best Practices

When it comes to the care of your oral cavity, prevention is paramount. If your oral hygiene routine has taken a back seat, then there is no time like the present to make it a priority again and follow the below best practices:

• Brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day.
• Treat flossing as important as brushing.
• Visit your dentist every six months for a dental checkup and cleaning.
• Always clean your tongue.
• Avoid poor dental habits, like smoking or eating too much sugar.

How Your Dentist Can Help

All too often, patients try to get out of their dental checkup and cleaning as quickly as possible. However, these appointments provide you with a valuable opportunity to learn more about your oral health and how you can improve it. Your dental team can provide you with insight into proper techniques and products that can make caring for your teeth and gums simpler and more effective. So, don’t hesitate to speak up at your next visit for the sake of your oral and overall health!

About the Author

Dr. Jonathan Aguilar earned his dental doctorate at the Texas A&M College of Dentistry, and he has been helping his patients achieve beautiful smiles in a welcoming environment ever since! Since proper prevention is an essential component of good oral and overall health, he is proud to offer everything from routine dental checkups and cleanings to periodontal therapy all under one roof. So, if it’s time for your biannual appointment or you are worried about the condition of your gums, visit our website or give us a call at 940-566-5332.