A healthy smile improves social interactions, communication and the ability to perform well in work and school. But there are many more reasons to maintain great oral health. The National Academy of Medicine reports that oral health is connected to good overall health and oral diseases can make health problems outside of the mouth worse.

Poor oral health has been linked to several heart issues. Studies have found that oral health complications can lead to an increased risk of heart disease. People with gum disease have nearly double the risk for heart disease as those with healthy gums, according to the American Academy of Periodontology. Chronic inflammation from gum disease may also raise cholesterol levels. Poor dental health may also increase your risk of a bacterial infection in the blood stream, which can have an effect on your heart valves.

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