February is Heart Health Month

The American Heart Association and Steve’s PDL want to remind you that this is Heart Health Month. There are many ways to care for your heart, such as a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as an active lifestyle.

But that’s not the whole picture. We in the dental industry know that oral health has a direct effect on heart health. Studies have long linked tooth loss and periodontitis with heart problems. As dental health professionals, our actions truly benefit the whole person.

While the link between oral and heart health is clear, we are still exploring the reasons behind this link. Some scientific studies have linked periodontitis – an oral bacterial infection which causes inflammation – with inflamed, clogged arteries in the heart. The disease endocarditis is a bacterial infection on the skin of the heart, and it is caused by the spread of bacteria to the heart from other areas of the body. Poor oral hygiene and tooth loss provide opportunities for oral bacteria to enter the bloodstream.

This month, let’s not only look after our own heart health, but take extra pride in our work. It’s not just oral health we can positively impact, but that of the heart and the rest of the body as well!