28 Days of Heart: Did You Brush? The Surprising Link Between Dental Health and Your Heart

Thank you for joining us on this 28-day journey of heart health. We hope you’ve found it helpful and that you’ve learned something about your heart that you may not have known before.

Remember, heart health isn’t about a crash diet. It’s not about getting up at 5 am to run 10 miles every day or vowing to never eat dessert again. And it’s not a sprint. It’s a commitment to yourself and your family to make heart health – and your overall health – a priority in your life today and every day. Before we leave you, here’s one more interesting tidbit about heart health that you might not know.

How well do you take care of your teeth and gums? Some research has shown a link between poor oral health and poor heart health. Studies have shown a link between gum disease and increased heart disease risk and that poor oral health can increase the risk of bacterial infection in your bloodstream. One study published by the American Heart Association showed gum disease appearing to worsen blood pressure and interferes with hypertension medications.

While there’s no proof of poor oral health as a specific cause for heart disease, it’s still important to take care of your teeth and gums every day as part of your overall health plan. Brushing your teeth at least twice daily, flossing daily and scheduling regular dental cleanings and check-ups will keep you on the right path of good oral health.