February marks the beginning of American Heart Month. Medical professionals from across the country are trying to raise awareness about heart disease prevention. Cardiovascular disease affects millions of Americans. In fact, one out of every three deaths in the United States is related to heart disease and stroke. Thankfully, with simple steps you can reduce your risk of heart disease and help your smile. In today’s blog, Lake Orion family dentist, Dr. Brad Greenfield, explains how diet and exercise help your heart and dental health.
Exercise
The CDC recommends people complete at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity workouts each day. Obesity is one of the leading causes of heart disease, so becoming more active not only slims your waistline, but strengthens your heart, as well. Regular exercise reduces blood pressure and decreases cholesterol levels. Try running, jogging, or even walking. When people work out in the sun, they also help their teeth fight cavities. The sun’s UV rays provide people with necessary doses of vitamin D. This vitamin allows the body to absorb calcium, which strengthens bones and tooth enamel. Strong tooth enamel makes your teeth less vulnerable to tooth decay. So go outside!
A Good Diet
Proper nutrition also aids in the fight against heart disease. Try to avoid food containing high amounts of trans fats, sugar, sodium, and cholesterol. Add fresh fruit and vegetables to your diet. Over time, you can lose weight and lower your blood pressure and cholesterol. Cutting out foods and drinks high in sugars and other starches helps keep your smile cavity-free. Bacteria in our mouths break down sugar and other food particles, increasing the presence of harmful acids. These acids weaken tooth enamel, allowing your teeth to become more susceptible to decay. Instead of candy or soda, snack on fresh fruit or chew sugar-free gum. Sugar-free gum reduces the urge to snack and also promotes saliva production. Saliva is your body’s natural means of cleansing the mouth of bacteria and neutralizing oral acids.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Lake Orion Family Dentist
In addition to diet and exercise, protect your health with regular today at 248-693-6213 to schedule an appointment. We proudly serve families from Clarkston, Auburn Hills, Oxford, and Rochester Hills, as well as many other areas in southeast Michigan.
