![\"Model](\"https:\/\/www.cambriasmiles.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/heart-4-300x198.jpg\")
February is important for more than just Valentine\u2019s day. It\u2019s also America\u2019s Heart Health Month. With cardiovascular disease the leading cause of death in the U.S., it\u2019s essential you are proactive about your heart\u2019s health. Did you know it will take more than a balanced diet and regular exercise? Believe it or not, your oral health can affect your cardiovascular system. Here\u2019s how you can invest in a healthy smile and heart for optimal wellness.<\/p>\n
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Your mouth is often referred to as the \u201cgateway to your body\u201d because your oral and general health are so heavily entwined. There are several dental issues that can have negative effects on your health, like gum disease. The infection is caused by bacteria found in plaque and tartar buildup that can destroy the supporting structures of the teeth. Although it\u2019s preventable, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates at least 50% of adults have a form of it, making it the leading cause of tooth loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sadly, the effects of gum disease don\u2019t stop in your mouth. The bacteria responsible for the infection can also enter your bloodstream. As it circulates throughout your body, it causes your immune system to respond with inflammation. This can cause your arteries to narrow, making your heart work harder to pump blood. You\u2019ll have an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events. In fact, research shows people who have gum disease are as much as 3 times as likely to develop cardiovascular disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In honor of Heart Health Month, there isn\u2019t any better time than the present to recommit to your smile. Here are 5 simple steps to keep your gums healthy to ward off heart disease:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean all surfaces of your teeth for 2 minutes at least twice a day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use high-quality dental floss to clean between each tooth every night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eat a balanced diet that\u2019s limited in sugars and starches. Drink water whenever possible and avoid frequent snacking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Besides regular exercise, you\u2019ll want to commit to a healthy lifestyle. Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol in excess.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you notice signs of gum disease<\/a>, don\u2019t put your smile or heart at risk. Contact your dentist right away if you see red, swollen, or bleeding gums. They\u2019ll provide the quick care you need to stop the infection in its tracks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n About Dr. Frank S. Fratto<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Fratto<\/a> has over 35 years of experience in dentistry. He earned his dental degree at the University of Southern California and has completed over 850 hours of continuing education. He can help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile. If you need periodontal therapy, contact our office<\/a> today to schedule your consultation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" February is important for more than just Valentine\u2019s day. It\u2019s also America\u2019s Heart Health Month. With cardiovascular disease the leading cause of death in the U.S., it\u2019s essential you are proactive about your heart\u2019s health. Did you know it will take more than a balanced diet and regular exercise? Believe it or not, your oral […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[2],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cambriasmiles.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/132"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cambriasmiles.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cambriasmiles.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cambriasmiles.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cambriasmiles.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=132"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.cambriasmiles.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/132\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":134,"href":"https:\/\/www.cambriasmiles.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/132\/revisions\/134"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cambriasmiles.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=132"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cambriasmiles.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=132"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cambriasmiles.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=132"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}