In addition to celebrating Valentine's Day this month, February is also American Heart Month. That's why we recommend having a heart for your smile! Research shows a strong connection between your oral and overall health. Some call this oral-systemic health. We call it The Mouth-Body Connection and it's a critical link in identifying other health concerns early on.
“More than half of American adults have some gum disease. That’s something they don’t know because it doesn’t feel like anything.”
– Dr. Zulema Valdivia, DDS
Widely accepted research has shown that people with periodontal (gum) disease are twice as likely to suffer from heart disease; this includes heart attacks, coronary artery disease, and other serious cardiovascular issues. When your gums are inflamed, harmful bacteria from your mouth enter your bloodstream and invade your heart vessels, causing inflammation of the artery walls and potentially heart-stopping clots. That's why keeping your gums healthy may also help reduce your risk of heart disease.
“If we have leaky gums, inflamed gums, bleeding gums, all that bacteria has an easier way to go and travel all to the heart and affect and create inflammation in our heart.” – Dr. Zulema Valdivia, DDS
- Take care of your oral health - Brush and floss 2x a day, limit your use of alcohol-based mouthwash and be sure to visit your dentist for checkups at least 2x a year.
- Eat a healthy diet - Limit saturated fats, foods high in sodium, and added sugars. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Take care of yourself – Maintain a healthy weight, control blood sugar and cholesterol, control high blood pressure, manage stress, get enough sleep and get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity weekly.
“What we want is to take care of it proactively instead of reactively. So healthier is better and it’s going to be less costly.” – Dr. Zulema Valdivia, DDS
In cases where brushing isn't enough, Smile Generation®-trusted dentists work closely with periodontists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease. Ask your dentist about The Mouth-Body Connection at your next appointment—and here's wishing you a Happy Heart Month with healthy smiles and healthy hearts!
Find your trusted, local dentist today!
Sources
- Heron, M. Deaths: Leading causes for 2017 National Vital Statistics Reports;68(6). Accessed November 25, 2025.
Smile Generation blog articles are reviewed by a licensed dental professional before publishing. However, we present this information for educational purposes only with the intent to promote readers’ understanding of oral health and oral healthcare treatment options and technology. We do not intend for our blog content to substitute for professional dental care and clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment planning provided by a licensed dental professional. Smile Generation always recommends seeking the advice of a dentist, physician, or other licensed healthcare professional for a dental or medical condition or treatment.
