Floss and brush your teeth
Along with maintaining good oral health, regular flossing and brushing can help maintain good heart health. Those with gum disease are at risk for heart disease due to the bacteria involved with gum disease, says Dr. Gillinov. These bacteria can travel to the heart via the bloodstream and cause an elevation in C-reactive protein, a marker for inflammation in the blood vessels. As a result, these changes can lead to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.