White Smile, Happy Heart?

February is heart health awareness month and keeping a clean smile may do more than help just your confidence.

After decades of research it has been established that an association exists between gum disease and cardiovascular disease. Which means, keeping your teeth clean could also keep your heart healthy.

Dr. Temitope Maiyegun, a Doctor of Medical Dentistry stated,"Gum disease and inflammation of the gum can be associated with inflammation of the heart too because I like to say everything starts in the mouth, and because everything starts in the mouth bacteria and inflammation can travel down the same bloodstream. That tends to lead to arteries in the heart and can contribute to cardiovascular disease that is prevalent in a lot of people who do have gum decease."

Keeping your teeth healthy requires more than simply brushing twice a day. It starts with a dentist visit at least twice a year.

"When people come in some of the problems that can let you know that you have some of the first signs of gum disease are redness of the gums, bleeding of the gums, puss coming out of the gums, noticing that your teeth are moving a little more, and noticing your gums are receding a little bit. You might also have a bad taste or smell in your mouth. "Those are some of the early signs that you do have periodontal disease or gum disease. "

Make sure you keep an eye out for those early signs of gum disease and notify your doctor about any problems. Next time you’re brushing that signature smile remember you’re making your heart happy too.