Healthy Smiles May Mean Healthy Hearts

Valentine's Day is over, but heart health is the gift that keeps on giving all year long. In fact, every 43 seconds someone in the United States has a heart attack. During American Heart Month, DentalPlans.com is offering tips to help prevent cardiovascular disease.

It is important to take heart health seriously. Knowing the warning signs and best tips for preventing or treating cardiovascular disease can save one's life. Roughly 1-in-5 incidents are “silent” heart attacks, causing damage to the heart muscle without recognizable symptoms to the person suffering the attack.

Certain serious illnesses have been associated with dental health. Recent research has linked periodontal disease (the most severe form of gum disease) with a heightened risk of coronary artery disease and stroke.

Much of the population of the U.S. will experience gingivitis (the mildest form of gum disease) during their lives; while 30%-40% will experience periodontitis. Contact the dentist for:

• Loose teeth
• Red, inflamed or tender gums
• Gums pulling away from teeth
• Gums that bleed when brushed
• Persistent bad breath

Other Tips:

Limit sugar: Aside from their obvious detrimental health effects, sugary foods activate the oral bacteria that leads to tooth decay and gum disease.

Quit tobacco: Tobacco products can cause gum disease, tooth decay, oral cancer, and cardiovascular problems. For help quitting smoking, visit the American Lung Organization's web site. For those who chew tobacco, consider participating in the Great American Spit Out on Feb 23.

Stay hydrated: One's heart does not have to work as hard to pump blood through the blood vessels to the muscles when hydrated. Hydrating also helps avoid dry mouth, which can cause tooth decay.

Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush teeth properly at least twice a day, floss and get regular checkups and professional cleanings.

For more information on how to keep teeth and gums healthy, and easily access affordable dental care, visit DentalPlans.com.