Recent studies have shown oral health directly affects the heart. Treating gum disease can not only reduce the plaque on your teeth, but also the deposits that build up on the walls of arteries. Let’s take it a step further and talk about your smile. Taking good care of your teeth does more than help you achieve a healthier, more attractive smile. It impacts your risk of heart attack, stroke, cardiovascular disease and other cardiovascular issues. This is the thread that connects gum disease to heart disease. Make sure your heart isn’t working harder than it should be. Keep things healthy with a fit oral hygiene routine. 

Studies show that adverse effects on your heart from gum disease are due to five high-risk oral bacteria. The main pathogen in chronic gum disease is – brace yourself – Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg). Say that five times fast! 

The good news? Your Smile Generation-trusted dentist can help. The most common bacteria associated with heart disease can now be identified through a simple salivary diagnostic test that you can take in the dental office. The better news? Your daily oral hygiene routine helps too. Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day for at least two minutes could lower the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Flossing your teeth as part of your daily oral hygiene routine can also reduce your risk for heart disease.