American Heart Month is upon us and reminding us to practice healthy heart habits. Now, you may be asking, “What does heart health have to do with oral care?” Surprisingly, a lot more than you may think. Here are five simple things you can do to help keep your heart (and teeth) happy and healthy:
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Brush, floss, and take care of those pearly whites:
As unbelievable as it may be, there is a strong connection between gum disease and heart disease. The germs and bacteria from gum disease can travel into your blood stream, which can then reach the heart and cause inflammation or severe damage. Individuals with inadequate oral hygiene whom accumulate significant plaque can be at risk. To prevent and treat gum disease and help prevent heart disease, brush up on vital oral hygiene tips which include brushing twice a day, flossing, and scheduling regular dental examinations.
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Hydrate with plenty of H20:
Fueling up your body with water is extremely important for heart and oral health. Dehydration causes strain on your heart, ultimately triggering it to beat faster and work more to compensate for the lack of water. This strain is especially noticeable when exercising or being active in hot temperatures and not hydrating properly. Drinking plenty of water will help your heart function while strengthening your teeth and helping to remove unwanted sugar and left-over food, which can lead to cavity-causing bacteria and plaque.
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Stock up on those veggies:
We are constantly being reminded to eat healthy, but sometimes it is difficult to know where to start. It is best to start by taking a few simple steps. Making small changes to your diet, lead to a healthier lifestyle overall. Consider adding these heart superfoods to your cart next grocery trip:
- Salmon
- Oatmeal
- Blueberries
- Tomatoes
- Potatoes
- Greens (broccoli, spinach, and kale)
- Avocados
- Nuts
- Dark chocolate (in moderation for you sweet tooth’s out there!)
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Avoid smoking at all costs:
Chemicals in tobacco smoke can harm your blood cells, ultimately damaging the structure and function of the blood vessels within your heart. If smoking habits continue over time, plaque can harden and block arteries from pumping blood into your organs. Smoking can result in many different negative effects including atherosclerosis, heart attack, heart failure, peripheral artery disease, and more. In addition, smoking can also affect your teeth, causing stains, increasing chances of gum disease, and developing a higher susceptibility to oral cancer.
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Catch plenty of Zzzzz’s:
Sleep is very important for not only heart health but also for oral health. Sleep is an essential part of keeping your heart healthy because it decreases your risk for cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and inflammation. It also lessens inflammation in your gums and helps your teeth and gums become strong. Try to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep most nights to improve your heart and oral health.
We encourage our patients to integrate these tips into their lifestyle in honor of American Heart Month. For any questions about oral health, contact Artistic Dental at (602) 840- 5400 or visit our website at artisticd.com