{"id":250,"date":"2022-02-02T20:04:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-02T20:04:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marketheightsfamilydental.com\/blog\/?p=250"},"modified":"2022-03-04T20:09:16","modified_gmt":"2022-03-04T20:09:16","slug":"dentist-in-harker-heights-the-relation-between-gum-disease-and-a-healthy-heart","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marketheightsfamilydental.com\/blog\/dentist-in-harker-heights-the-relation-between-gum-disease-and-a-healthy-heart\/","title":{"rendered":"How a Healthy Smile Holds a Strong Heart"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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February is Heart Health Month, which is the perfect time to learn how to enhance your cardiac condition. From changing your diet to heading to the gym, there are plenty of ways you and your loved ones can encourage better wellbeing! But did you know keeping your teeth clean is just as important for your cardiovascular health? Your local dentist<\/a> in Harker Heights can explain how having a healthy smile helps keep a strong heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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

Gum disease is a bacterial infection that initially causes swollen or puffy gums, also known as gingivitis. If left untreated, it can worsen into periodontitis where the bacteria are powerful enough to weaken the connective tissues that stabilize the teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If these dangerous bacteria escape into the arteries, it can journey to other parts of the body, like the heart. Should the bacteria and the inflammation it causes reach the inner linings or valves of the heart, this can lead to a higher risk of dangerous issues like a heart attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5 Tips to Prevent Gum Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Making sure your teeth are top-notch is the first step to avoiding periodontal disease altogether. Here are five of the best ways to decrease your risk:<\/p>\n\n\n\n