Make Your Heart Smile & Take the Heart Promises Pledge!

WomenHeart is teaming up with the makers of Colgate Total® toothpaste and Dr. Altagracia Chavez, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, and member of WomenHeart’s Scientific Advisory Council, to encourage women to take part in the Heart Promises campaign at www.HealthyMouthHealthyBody.com.

Gum Disease & Heart Disease

	Altagracia Chavez, MD

“A growing body of research suggests an association between severe gum disease and certain serious health conditions, such as heart disease — the # 1 cause of death in U.S. women,” said Altagracia Chavez, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgeon with the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, Cleveland, Ohio, and member of WomenHeart’s Scientific Advisory Council.   “It’s important for physicians to talk with their patients about all aspects of their health and steps they can take to maintain a healthy lifestyle -- and that includes helping them prevent oral health problems.”

Why Proper Oral Care is Key for Women

Carrie Loveless of WomenHeart

Good oral care is particularly important for women, as female hormones can lead to a higher risk of gum disease.  For instance, changes in hormone levels due to puberty, pregnancy, and menopause cause women to be at a higher risk of developing periodontal disease – a serious form of gum disease associated with tooth loss and other health conditions. 

“With the hectic schedules of today’s women – whose own well-being is often neglected due to time spent taking care of both children and parents – finding the time to take care of health care needs can seem overwhelming,” said Carrie Loveless, 46, from Alexandria, Virginia, a trained patient spokesperson for WomenHeart. “But what many people do not realize is that you can achieve a healthier lifestyle with just a few simple steps, like flossing every day and using toothpaste that fights both bacteria and gum inflammation, like Colgate Total.” 

Take the WomenHeart Heart Promises Pledge!

At www.HealthyMouthHealthyBody.com, and start taking ownership of your own heart health just by learning these simple heart-friendly steps.