{"id":52,"date":"2022-02-21T18:10:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-21T18:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smilesofrockymount.com\/blog\/?p=52"},"modified":"2022-03-29T18:52:44","modified_gmt":"2022-03-29T18:52:44","slug":"healthy-heart-through-smile-dentist-in-rocky-mount","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smilesofrockymount.com\/blog\/2022\/02\/21\/healthy-heart-through-smile-dentist-in-rocky-mount\/","title":{"rendered":"Keep Your Heart Healthy By Perfecting Your Oral Hygiene"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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While you\u2019re planning something special for your loved one on Valentine\u2019s Day, it\u2019s worth taking a second look at the part of the body that\u2019s so highlighted this time of year: your heart! Since February is American Heart Month, you\u2019ll want to make sure you\u2019re doing everything you can to keep your heart healthy for decades to come. It may be surprising to hear, but having a consistent and effective oral care<\/a> routine at home is just one of the many ways to protect your heart. How can brushing and flossing help your heart? Keep reading to find out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Gum Disease and Heart Health Connect<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Studies conducted by medical experts have shown there is an increasingly notable connection between the health of the mouth and heart health. Gum disease is an infection of gum tissue that surrounds the teeth and is most commonly caused by plaque buildup. Experts note that those with gum disease are actually two to three times more likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the reasons doctors believe poor oral health can increase the risk for heart issues is because of the higher risk of bacterial infection in the blood stream. Infections like these can directly affect the heart valves. If the heart valves aren\u2019t functioning properly, and blood can\u2019t move effectively, you could experience conditions that put your life at risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While more research needs to be done on the subject to understand the connection, you won\u2019t want to take any chances. That\u2019s why it\u2019s crucial to have a good at-home routine of brushing, flossing, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Best Tips for a Healthy Smile at Home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The key to avoiding gum disease is to prevent the buildup of plaque in the mouth, particularly along the gum line (or the area where the teeth and gum tissue connect). You can do this by committing to the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n