Keep your heart healthy with better oral care

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of men and women in the U.S. About 655,000 Americans die from heart disease each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and research has found a link between this disease and gum health. Having gum disease can triple the risk of a heart attack, and inflammation may be the link between the two conditions.

Prevention is the best medicine

Regular healthy habits can lower your risk of both gum disease and heart disease. If you already have one or both of these conditions, these strategies can also help you manage them.

• Brush and floss regularly. Be sure to brush for at least two minutes twice a day and to floss once a day.
• Eat a healthy diet. Try to avoid foods that are heavy on sugars and starches and choose those that are rich in essential nutrients (especially vitamins A and C).
• Avoid cigarettes and other tobacco products. These products can destroy your gums and increase your chance of heart disease. This includes vaping and smokeless tobacco products as well.

Last updated September 8, 2021