Good For Your Smile, Good For Your Heart

If you’ve been paying attention to health news topics, you’ve probably come across reports on how your oral hygiene relates to your cardiovascular system. More and more studies are examining how the bacteria that thrive among unhealthy teeth and gums will travel through the bloodstream and create problems for the heart. This revelation is just another testament to the importance of flossing for the sake of your smile and your overall health. Did you know there are other steps you can take to protect both? If it’s good for your smile, it’s probably good for your heart and overall health.

• Eat More Fruits and Vegetables – Fruits and vegetables provide you with the nutrition you need to build and maintain the tissues that make up your mouth and the rest of you. Certain raw fruits and vegetables can also act as a natural toothbrush. They help you stay hydrated, manage cholesterol and boost your immune system. The advantages of a healthy diet     


• Drink More Water – When you’re hydrated, your gums stay healthy and able to fend against harmful bacteria. Keeping hydrated is also essential to performing physical activity, maintaining a healthy diet, and allowing your body to better complete its most basic functions.


• Get More Exercise – A study completed at Case Western Reserve University concluded that adults who exercised for thirty minutes a day where over 40% less likely to suffer from periodontitis. Exercise is also great for your waistline, your energy levels, your cardiovascular health, and your longevity.


• Reduce Stress – When you’re stressed, do you notice your jaw clenching? Stress can even cause you to grind your teeth while sleeping and result in painful headaches, jaw problems and enamel damage. Stress is also a detriment to your blood pressure, heart health and overall wellbeing.  Taking care of yourself and your smile means monitoring your stress levels and finding a healthy outlet to relieve your tension.


• Don’t Use Tobacco Products – Tobacco products, whether cigarettes, chew or pipe, not only stain your teeth but they also allow bad bacteria to flourish and put you at risk for oral cancer and other serious conditions. Kick your tobacco product to revitalize your smile and save your heart.

 

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/features/periodontal-disease-heart-health

http://health.yahoo.net/articles/fitness/photos/11-ways-exercise-sends-health-soaring#7

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-teeth-10/plaque-causes?page=2

http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/6-reasons-to-drink-water