There have been numerous studies linking gum disease and heart disease. They are still not exactly clear on the relationship (does one cause the other? is one a symptom of the other? or…?). However, if you have gum disease, get it treated. Go to your dentist if you have sore or bleeding gums. Regular checkups will let your dentist keep an eye on your gums for the first sign of a problem. And, if you do have gum disease, it might not be a bad idea to get your heart checked, too. Just in case.

While it’s easy to find dietary guidelines for heart disease, there’s not so much for gum disease. Here’s an article on the Eating Well website that discusses the benefits of green tea for heart disease and for gum disease.