{"id":142,"date":"2022-02-08T21:11:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-08T21:11:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.huntingtonbeachperiodontics.com\/blog\/?p=142"},"modified":"2022-03-23T22:22:51","modified_gmt":"2022-03-23T22:22:51","slug":"heart-health-month-gum-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.huntingtonbeachperiodontics.com\/blog\/2022\/02\/08\/heart-health-month-gum-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"How Good Oral Care is Good News for Your Heart Health"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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February is certainly a time where many people are making plans for their special someone. As Valentine\u2019s Day approaches, it\u2019s also important to take a closer look at your heart health. February is Heart Health Month<\/a>, a time where dentists and medical doctors alike remind patients the importance of maintaining habits that are conducive to long-term cardiovascular health. Did you know that brushing, flossing, and other habits could reduce your risk of heart-related illness? Learn the facts from the experts and the best tips for keeping dental disease at bay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How are Gum Disease and Heart Health Related?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There is an increasingly notable connection between heart and oral health according to studies conducted by experts in cardiovascular science. For example, they note that having gum disease could put you at two to three times higher risk of experiencing a heart attack, stroke, or similar cardiovascular events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have gum disease, you may have noticed your gums turning darker red, bleeding while brushing, or gum\/tooth sensitivity. More often than not, this condition develops as a result of plaque buildup. This is meant to be removed day-to-day during brushing and flossing. If you have poor oral hygiene or gum disease, you may be at greater risk for heart problems later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, more research must be done on the subject in order to understand the heart and oral health connection. However, it\u2019s always better to be safe than sorry and know how to protect yourself in the long-term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Should I Do at Home to Protect Myself?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For most people, preventing gum disease is a relatively simple process. It all starts with positive at-home oral habits that include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n