Valentine’s Day is all about love and hearts, so let’s take a moment to talk about your heart. It might be bursting with love, but is it healthy? And by healthy we mean your actual heart, not your obsession for your someone special!
The heart is a powerhouse, working around the clock to pump blood and oxygen to your organs. About the size a fist, your heart beats over 100,000 times a day. It’s the center of the circulatory system, and it affects just about every other part of the body.
Powerhouse Problems
Hearts conditions can be either congenital (present at birth), or they can be acquired due to poor health. They can range in severity from minor to life-threatening. Medical intervention is always necessary when dealing with heart problems.
Most heart problems involve heart disease, which is the term for several types of heart conditions. The CDC states that heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States. The top risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. Being diabetic as well as obese or overweight also puts people at higher risk.
For the majority of cases, heart disease can be prevented by living a healthy lifestyle. This starts with a well-balanced diet and regular exercise. Those two factors combined can help control blood pressure, maintain a healthy weight, lower cholesterol, and reduce stress.
The Heart & Mouth Bond
It might seem strange, but your heart and mouth are closely connected. Your gums are filled with blood vessels, and your mouth contains bacteria. When oral bacteria enters the bloodstream, it can travel to the heart, causing inflammation and cardiovascular complications.
Periodontal (gum) disease increases the risk of heart disease due to inflammation. According to Harvard research, periodontal disease increases the body's burden of inflammation, and long-term (chronic) inflammation is a key contributor to many health problems, especially atherosclerosis, which is when plaque accumulates in the arteries.
Practicing proper oral hygiene can greatly reduce your chances of getting periodontal disease. Removing the soft, slimy film (plaque) from your teeth will prevent it from hardening and turning into tartar. Regular flossing and brushing remove most of the plaque, but routine dental cleanings and exams help get the job done.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the connection between heart health and oral health, call us at 954-344-4488, or complete an online appointment request to schedule your consultation.