Gum health = Heart Health

The heart is a muscular organ that is responsible for the pumping of blood through the blood vessels, supplying oxygen, and removing carbon dioxide and other wastes via the circulatory system to the vital parts of our body. But do you know that our heart health and gum health are related to one another?

Poor gum health is often linked with heart health. Gum disease may increase the risk of heart disease because inflammation in the gums and bacteria may eventually lead to narrowing of important arteries. It increases the risk of bacterial infection in the bloodstream which can eventually affect the heart valves. This will affect the overall pumping of the blood in the body. The symptoms of gum diseases include bad breath, difficulty in chewing, pain in the gums, and many more issues. Even though oral health is not the only key to heart disease prevention but it is necessary to take care of your gums and teeth.

While a good regimen is extremely important to bid adieu to your gum problems but along with it your dietary pattern also plays a vital role in deciding your gum health. Incorporating a healthy and nutritious diet can assist you in easing the distress associated with poor gum health. Moreover, relying on a healthy diet can decrease the risk of getting gum diseases and make your health perfectly fine.

Here are some vital nutrients that you should eat and cut from your diet for an optimum gum health:

A healthy body will naturally fight gum disease! The key is to eat foods that nourish your oral health and eventually helps in keeping your heart healthy, make sure you follow the guidelines below.

• Vitamin-C-rich food: items because low levels of vitamin-C in the body promote gum diseases and poor tissue health. Like- red and green bell peppers.
• Beta-carotene-rich foods: like carrot, sweet potatoes, spinach help the gums to heal better.
• Omega-3 rich food: has anti-inflammatory properties that keep your immune system healthy.
• Sugary foods: Try to eliminate sugar from your diet as bad bacteria love sugar.
• Refined carbohydrates: These should be avoided because the starches present in them will remain in the mouth for a long period and break down into simple sugars. Bacteria will thrive on these sugars leading to more gum problems.
• Dairy products: Milk, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products as calcium and phosphates will help to retain the lost minerals and helps in rebuild the tooth enamel.

Steps of prevention:

• Visit your dentist for routine check-ups.
• Tell your dentist if your dentures (false teeth) do not fit right.
• Use a brush only with soft bristles and floss at least twice daily.
• Never brush your teeth too hard and inform your dentist in case of sore gums.
• Quit smoking because smoking makes the gum condition worse. Take the help of a doctor if you are unable to quit.
• Be mindful of your blood sugar levels, if you have Diabetes.
• Notice early signs and symptoms and take immediate help from the doctor as prevention is better than cure.

Over to you:

Direct or indirect link, a healthy lifestyle and good regimen both affects your gum health. Follow the above-mentioned steps of prevention and do include proper nutrition in your diet to keep your gums and teeth strong and free from any heart-related diseases.