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Oral-Health-Impacts-Your-Cardiovascular-System

Cardiovascular & Oral Health: What’s The Connection?

Oral health and cardiovascular health go hand in hand. Studies have shown that people with poor oral health, such as gum disease and cavities, are at a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and stroke. But why is this? Let’s dive into the connection between oral and cardiovascular health. 

What Is The Connection Between Oral and Cardiovascular Health? 

The exact link between oral and cardiovascular health isn’t clear, but it’s thought to be due to inflammation. Inflammation can cause damage to your blood vessels over time, leading to a range of conditions such as atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries), high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease which leads to chronic inflammation. This systemic inflammation can increase your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks or stroke. 

Another factor that contributes to the connection between oral and cardiovascular health is bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria from poor oral hygiene can enter the bloodstream through gums that have been weakened by periodontal disease. Once those bacteria reach the bloodstream they can attach themselves to fatty substances found in our arteries, leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems like a heart attack or stroke. 

Why Is It Important To Maintain Good Oral Hygiene? 

Maintaining good oral hygiene is important because it helps reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease or cavities which could lead to other more serious conditions like a heart attack or stroke. You should brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to prevent plaque buildup on your teeth which can cause cavities or gum infections. Also, it’s important to visit your dentist regularly so they can check for any signs of gum disease or other issues that may need treatment.           

Conclusion

Overall, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for overall health including protecting against cardiovascular diseases like stroke or heart attack. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing regularly, visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups, and eating a balanced diet are all important steps you can take towards achieving good oral health as well as overall well-being! So don’t forget – taking care of your teeth means taking care of your heart!

FAQ

What is the connection between cardiovascular health and oral health?

The link between cardiovascular health and oral health has been increasingly studied in recent years. Research suggests that poor oral hygiene can be a contributor to the development of heart disease, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases due to the presence of bacteria from dental plaque entering the bloodstream, causing inflammation in the blood vessels of the heart. 

How does brushing teeth help maintain cardiovascular health?

Brushing teeth regularly helps remove bacteria from your mouth and gums in order to protect against infection-causing bacteria that increase inflammation in blood vessels leading to heart disease. Additionally, brushing your teeth will help prevent gum disease, which is a known risk factor for developing cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack or stroke. 

What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my oral and cardiovascular health? 

Practicing healthy lifestyle habits like regular exercise, eating a balanced diet low in saturated fats and sugars, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption and maintaining proper oral hygiene can all help reduce your risk of developing heart disease or stroke related to poor oral care. Additionally, having regular checkups with your dentist is important for catching any potential problems with early detection before they become more serious.

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