By Caroline Jacobson

The heart wants what it wants, and your heart wants you to take care of your mouth. Gum disease is associated with heart disease , according to several studies. But that’s just the beginning.

It’s important to have good oral health habits, especially for those who afflicted with heart conditions. And part of your dental regimen should include communication with your dentist.

Here are 3 heart conditions that you should tell your dentist about now:

1. Heart Murmurs

Heart Murmurs can increase the risk for infection during oral surgery. If mouth bacteria are exposed into your bloodstream, it can travel to the heart where it will stick to the valve or the lining, causing Bacterial Endocarditis.

2. Heart Attack

If you’ve recently suffered a heart attack, you may need to postpone dental treatment. Cardiac patients are sometimes prescribed blood-thinning drugs, which could cause complications during procedures.

3. High Blood Pressure

Roughly, 34.4% of adults in Arkansas have reported high blood pressure. High blood pressure medications cause dry mouth, a condition that can lead to increased mouth bacteria. This can put you at high risk for gum and heart disease.

Guard your heart—Practice good oral health habits AND consult your dentist about medications and future procedures.