Dentist Hartington | Health Link: Oral Hygiene and Heart Disease

The human body is a network of interconnected systems and organs. Unfortunately, issues that impact one particular area of your body can also affect the health and function of other areas. Recently, studies have highlighted evidence for links between gum disease and heart disease.

While the exact nature of the connection is still being researched, heart disease is almost twice as likely to occur in people who have gum disease. Nearly half of all Americans have undiagnosed gum disease. In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death, making it pertinent that you maintain a healthy heart. The first key to doing so might lie in keeping your gums healthy.

While gum disease may be a contributing factor to heart disease, it is not the only cause. It is essential that you maintain regular visits to your primary care physician as well to measure your overall health. Other factors and lifestyle choices can impact your heart health.

Diet and exercise. Maintain an active lifestyle with activities you enjoy, such as taking walks, riding bikes, playing sports, or doing yoga. Avoid foods high in starches and sugars, including carbonated soft drinks, as they can also damage your teeth.

Don’t smoke. Whether you’re smoking or vaping, nicotine has a detrimental effect on your cardiovascular system and can damage teeth, gums, and lungs. Recent studies have connected vaping to a rapid loss in healthy cells that line the top layer of your mouth. These cells play an essential role in keeping your mouth healthy.

Brush your teeth. The most basic part of oral hygiene is also the most effective. Make sure you brush and floss at least twice a day.

By keeping a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and taking care of your teeth, you’re taking a holistic approach to your well-being and minimizing your risk of developing heart disease.

As with other diseases, preventing gum disease alone will not completely remove the risk of developing heart disease. However, you can take a proactive approach to keeping your body healthy, starting with your oral health.

To schedule a cleaning and examination with our Hartington dentist, please contact Family 1st Dental.

Family 1st Dental of Hartington
Phone: (402) 254-3969
Url: https://ffdhartington.com/
103 West Main Street
Hartington, NE 68739

Return to Blog Articles

Visit Our Hartington Dental Office

Dentist Hartington

Hartington Location

103 West Main Street,
Hartington, NE 68739

(402) 254-3969

Dentist in 68739

Our Dental News

Dentist Hartington

Family-Dentist-Hartington

Are You at Risk for Hairy Tongue? | Dentist Hartington, NE

You may not realize it, but you could be at risk of developing an unsightly medical condition known as hairy tongue. While it is harmless in most cases, hairy tongue is still an unpleasant ailment. The causes are not always […]

Learn More
Family-Dentist-Hartington

Biting Off More than You Can Chew? | Dentist Hartington

It is not uncommon for many of us to grab a bite to eat in a hurry. Americans have grown accustomed to bigger food portions at restaurants, but our mouths have not. Trying to fit that oversized sandwich or apple […]

Learn More
Family-Dentist-Hartington

Filling in the Gaps: Your Options for Missing Teeth | Dentist Near Me

If you’re self-conscious about your smile due to missing teeth, modern dentistry offers a variety of tooth replacement options that look and feel like natural teeth. Here are three of the most common solutions to replace missing teeth: Dentures Dentures […]

Learn More