It has been speculated for years that healthy gums correlate to a healthy heart. Though the medical jury still may be debating the connection, there’s no denying that people who live a healthy lifestyle tend to be people who pay more attention to diet, exercise, and oral care.
Among other things, a good diet means less sugar. And less sugar means fewer cavities. It also means you’re probably eating foods that naturally help reduce plaque because they’re mildly abrasive (in a healthy way!). Foods like celery, apples, cucumbers, and carrots gently scrub and clean teeth surfaces, removing plaque and food particles.
A healthy lifestyle also includes exercise. If you’re exercising on a regular basis, you’re reducing the risk of getting heart disease, as well as hypertension, high cholesterol, and a range of other disorders. Talk about a healthy heart!
If you’re a smoker, you may not know that cigarettes affect more than just your lungs. Here’s what smoking does to your heart:
- Reduces how much oxygen your heart gets
- Raises your blood pressure
- Speeds up your heart rate
- Makes blood clots more likely, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes
- Harms the insides of your blood vessels, including those in your heart
Healthy folks also take care of their teeth. They brush at least twice a day, floss, use dental products that contain fluoride, including toothpaste, and see their dentist regularly. And if these simple things that keep your smile bright and healthy also may contribute to your overall heart health, well, that’s just peanut butter on the celery stick!
If you have questions about how to keep your smile healthy and your heart happy, please contact us to schedule an appointment. We’re accepting new patients and would love to contribute to your overall health.
