{"id":198,"date":"2021-02-05T12:33:00","date_gmt":"2021-02-05T12:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dentistryinmillersville.com\/blog\/?p=198"},"modified":"2021-02-21T12:38:04","modified_gmt":"2021-02-21T12:38:04","slug":"the-little-known-relationship-between-your-heart-and-smile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dentistryinmillersville.com\/blog\/2021\/02\/05\/the-little-known-relationship-between-your-heart-and-smile\/","title":{"rendered":"The Little-Known Relationship Between Your Heart and Smile"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Valentine\u2019s Day reminds you to take a moment to show the special people in your life that you care about them. It\u2019s also a great time to show some love to your cardiovascular system, as February is American Heart Health Month. With heart disease being the leading cause of death in the United States, this is the perfect time to become better educated. As you continue reading, discover what your heart and gum health have in common and how your dentist<\/a> can be of help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Connection Between Gum Disease & Heart Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Oral bacteria are always present in the mouth. When you eat or drink, the microorganisms feed on any leftover particles. If they are allowed to linger, hundreds of different types form plaque, releasing caustic fluids that eventually deteriorate the teeth and gums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When ignored, plaque buildup causes gum inflammation (gingivitis), the first stage of gum disease. The increased plaque buildup associated with the condition can eventually migrate to other parts of the body, including the heart. Suddenly, the stakes become much higher, as plaque can clog the arteries and contribute to cardiac arrest and heart disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Dentists Want You to Know<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thankfully, there are steps you can take to protect your dental and heart health. Start with the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n