{"id":617,"date":"2021-02-15T17:14:00","date_gmt":"2021-02-15T17:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.longfamilydental.com\/blog\/?p=617"},"modified":"2025-02-20T18:40:15","modified_gmt":"2025-02-20T18:40:15","slug":"a-healthy-start-starts-with-your-smile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.longfamilydental.com\/blog\/2021\/02\/15\/a-healthy-start-starts-with-your-smile\/","title":{"rendered":"A Healthy Heart Starts with Your Smile"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Smiling<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

About one in four deaths in the United States is due to heart disease, according to statistics from the Centers from Disease Control and Prevention<\/a>. Since February is American Heart Month, it is the perfect time for all of us to pause and consider what we can do to protect our hearts. Of course, exercise and nutrition are both vital. But did you know that your gums also play a role in heart health? Let\u2019s talk about the connection between gum disease and heart problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Mouth-Heart Connection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Various studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease. In fact, according to one group of researchers, gum disease can increase the risk of heart disease by about 20 percent<\/a>. Why is that the case? Many believe that it is due to bacteria. The mouth is a gateway to the rest of the body, so when the harmful bacteria that causes gum disease begin to flourish, they can sneak into the bloodstream and affect other systems throughout the body \u2014 including the cardiovascular system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another theory that may explain the correlation between gum disease and heart disease is inflammation. Gum disease increases the body\u2019s burden of inflammation, which in turn may damage blood vessels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More research is necessary before scientists can come to any concrete conclusions about why gum disease and heart disease are connected. However, it is generally agreed that gum problems are a significant risk factor for heart problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protect Your Smile, Protect Your Heart<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, fighting gum disease<\/a> is not too difficult for most people. Here are some steps you can take during Heart Health Month to protect yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n