February is American Heart Month, and I’m not talking about romance (although, yes, that too). In the spirit of maintaining your most important muscle, read below for one of the 109 surprisingly easy—and potentially life-saving—tips found in Prevent, Halt & Reverse Heart Disease, by Joseph C. Piscatella and Barry A. Franklin, Ph.D.

Heart Saver #109: Brush and Floss Your Teeth

A number of studies show a link between periodontal (gum) disease and an increased risk of heart attack. In fact, it’s estimated that a person with periodontal disease is two to three times more likely to have a heart attack than one without periodontal disease.

Here’s the theory. Plaque that builds up on the teeth produces chronic inflammation of the gums, causing irritation, redness, swelling and bleeding when you brush. If the plaque isn’t removed, the gums separate from the teeth, leaving pockets that fill with bacteria. The most common strain found in these pockets is Streptococcus sanguis. When it enters the bloodstream, this bacteria may be a significant causative factor in heart attacks and strokes.

Dental bacteria seem to undermine cardiovascular health in three ways. First, infections from dental plaque can cause injury to coronary artery walls. Second, people with gum disease are more likely to produce an inflammatory response that may place them at elevated risk  of suffering a heart attack. And finally, gum disease can initiate blood clotting.

Given all of the above, it seems prudent to:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Electric toothbrushes, rinses, and toothpaste help to prevent periodontal disease.
• Floss at least once a day.
• See your dentist for regular cleaning.
• Be sure your diet includes plenty of complex carbohydrates, especially fruits and vegetables. Reduce sugar and highly refined carbohydrate foods such as baked goods.
• Chew sugarless gum to help fight dental decay. Gum containing xylitol, a sweetener made from birch bark, has been shown to partially suppress the growth of cavity-promoting bacteria in the mouth.

—Avery, whose favorite tip is #37, Get a Massage.

That pile of crispy, salty fries that comes with your sandwich at lunch, or the overflowing bowl of pappardelle with ragù are all delicious, there’s no denying that. But according to Joseph C. Piscatella’s Positive Mind, Healthy Heart!, portion size is the secret behind weight gain and with plate sizes expanding from 9.5-in. in the 1970s to 14.5-in. today, it’s easy to put on a few pounds—even if you eat more than the proper portion of healthy food.  So when you sit down and look at your plate wondering what exactly does a portion look like?  Here are a few simple guidelines:

3 ounces of meat, poultry or fish = a bar of soap, a checkbook or a deck of playing cards

2 tablespoons of peanut butter = a golf ball

1 medium bagel = a hockey puck

3 ounces of hamburger = the lid of a medium-size jar of mayonnaise

½ cup of cooked vegetables, cut fruit, cooked rice or pasta = a cupcake line

1 cup of raw, leafy vegetables or dry cereal = a baseball

1 ounce of cheese = 4 dice

Join six of Workman’s most popular lifestyle and health authors for a very special event at the luxurious Fairmont Scottsdale resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. At the Season of Personal Discovery weekend, these writers will share with you their knowledge on how to live your best life, today, and be in top-top shape in mind, body, and spirit. You will be transformed.

For more information, visit the Fairmont Scottsdale resort website.

The Season of Personal Discovery weekend includes:
-Lodging for two nights in a Fairmont guest room
-Cocktail parties and meals with the authors; Chris Crowley, Joseph C. Piscatella, Nicholas Boothman, Sean Foy, Tom Moon, and Tom Valenti
-Readings, demonstrations and Q&A sessions
-A special gala dinner

Click here to download a PDF of the event brochure