{"id":257,"date":"2024-02-09T21:15:09","date_gmt":"2024-02-09T21:15:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.highlandsmilesdental.com\/blog\/?p=257"},"modified":"2024-03-08T21:16:08","modified_gmt":"2024-03-08T21:16:08","slug":"how-oral-hygiene-affects-your-heart","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.highlandsmilesdental.com\/blog\/2024\/02\/09\/how-oral-hygiene-affects-your-heart\/","title":{"rendered":"Heartfelt Smiles: How Oral Hygiene Affects Your Cardiovascular Health"},"content":{"rendered":"
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When you think about strengthening your heart, what comes to mind? Jumping rope? Eating healthy? What about keeping your mouth clean with good oral hygiene? The truth is that your whole body is connected through complex systems. What affects one part can have consequences for another. But how?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to learn more about the connection between oral hygiene<\/a> and cardiovascular health, continue reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Link Between Periodontitis and Heart Disease<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, and its effects on the cardiovascular system have been well studied. Researchers from Harvard Medical School have actually found a link between periodontitis and heart disease. The bacteria produced in the mouth when gum disease is present can leach into the bloodstream and travel to the heart, increasing a person\u2019s risk of cardiovascular disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inflammation and Heart Health<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In addition to bacteria, the inflammation associated with gum disease can also affect heart health. It\u2019s a key factor in the buildup of plaque in the arteries. Over time, this plaque can restrict blood flow to the heart, leading to heart attack or stroke. Researchers have noted that people with gum disease are two to three times more likely to experience these conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can You Avoid Gum Disease?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Excellent oral hygiene is the key to success when it comes to avoiding the effects of gum disease. Here are some expert tips to keep your teeth and<\/em> your heart healthy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n