{"id":888,"date":"2021-02-26T22:23:00","date_gmt":"2021-02-26T22:23:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drbobbycarmen.com\/blog\/?p=888"},"modified":"2021-02-26T22:29:12","modified_gmt":"2021-02-26T22:29:12","slug":"american-heart-health-month","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.drbobbycarmen.com\/blog\/2021\/02\/american-heart-health-month\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Ways Excellent Gum Health Can Protect Your Heart"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"dental<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

February is American Heart Health Month, which is a time that medical professionals have set aside to raise awareness about the importance of proper cardiovascular care. There is a little-known connection between heart and gum health<\/a>. Continue reading to learn about the relationship and to receive 5 tips on how you can protect your heart through proper dental care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

It Starts with the Gums<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It should be known that oral bacteria are always present in your mouth. However, when you eat or drink, they become especially active. The bacteria feed on any leftover particles and if allowed to linger, hundreds of different types combine to form plaque, a sticky and acidic substance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If ignored, plaque buildup can eventually cause gum inflammation (gingivitis), which is the first stage of gum disease (infection). Untreated, the infection can cause permanent damage to the connective tissue beneath the gum line and even tooth loss. The problems don\u2019t stop there. Bacteria are like nomads \u2013 always on the go \u2013 looking for the next meal. The infection can make its way to the heart, which can contribute to clogged arteries, cardiac arrest and heart disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5 Ways to Protect Yourself<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The good news is there are ways to fortify your gum and heart health. Here are 5 tips worth noting:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#1 \u2013 Brush correctly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To thoroughly clean your teeth, brush for at least two minutes. This will allow you to agitate and remove debris and bacteria that accumulate throughout the day. For the best results, you can brush after each meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#2 \u2013 Floss consistently<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While toothbrushing is certainly an integral part of your dental care, it isn\u2019t enough by itself. Incorporating flossing into your regimen will be a game changer. The flexible material allows for cleaning the tight spaces between your teeth where bacteria and plaque hide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#3 \u2013 Avoid tobacco usage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Whether tobacco is chewed or smoked, it takes a great toll on teeth and gums. When used, harmful toxins are released that encourage bacteria growth. Furthermore, tobacco usage can have a direct effect on heart and lung health. To be safe, it\u2019s best to avoid its usage in any capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#4 \u2013 Know your risks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Based on your age, diet and genetics, you can be more susceptible to developing gum disease. This is something you\u2019ll want to discuss with a dentist. The more you share about your family health history, the better care the dentist can offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#5 \u2013 Visit a dentist regularly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Being proactive and visiting a dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups will do wonders for your dental health. In turn, it will help to boost your heart health. That\u2019s because any developing issues that could indirectly affect your heart can be spotted and treated before they become bigger problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because Valentine\u2019s Day is in February, it\u2019s known as the month of affection. By taking care of your mouth, teeth and gums, you\u2019ll be showing your heart some major love!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the Author<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Bobby J. Carmen earned his dental degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. A consummate learner, he has taken several hours of continuing education, and he has received advanced training from the Dawson Academy and Scottsdale Center for Dentistry. Dr. Carmen provides preventive and restorative gum treatment at his private practice, and he can be reached for more information through his website<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

February is American Heart Health Month, which is a time that medical professionals have set aside to raise awareness about the importance of proper cardiovascular care. There is a little-known connection between heart and gum health. Continue reading to learn about the relationship and to receive 5 tips on how you can protect your heart […]<\/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":[],"class_list":["post-888","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drbobbycarmen.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/888","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drbobbycarmen.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drbobbycarmen.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drbobbycarmen.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drbobbycarmen.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=888"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.drbobbycarmen.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/888\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":890,"href":"https:\/\/www.drbobbycarmen.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/888\/revisions\/890"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drbobbycarmen.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=888"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drbobbycarmen.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=888"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drbobbycarmen.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=888"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}