Protecting Your Heart Starts with Your Smile

Danny • February 14, 2026

When you think about protecting your heart, you probably picture exercising more, eating leafy greens, or managing stress. But what if one of the most important things you could do for your cardiovascular health was already part of your daily routine — or at least, it should be? The connection between oral health and heart health has become a major focus in modern medicine, and the evidence is clear: taking care of your smile is a meaningful step toward protecting your heart. For families in Nashua, NH, and neighboring communities like Hudson, Merrimack, Hollis, and Amherst, this message is especially timely as we observe American Heart Month this February.

At Krothapalli Family Dental , we believe that wellness is a family affair. From the youngest members of your household to the oldest, everyone benefits from understanding how a healthy mouth supports a healthy body. Let us explore why protecting your heart truly starts with your smile — and how small daily habits can make a big difference for your entire family.

The Heart-Smile Connection: Why It Matters for Your Family

Research over the past two decades has established a compelling link between periodontal disease — the advanced form of gum disease — and cardiovascular problems including heart attack, stroke, and atherosclerosis. The connection centers on inflammation and bacteria. When gum disease goes untreated, harmful bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream through inflamed gum tissue. Once in the blood, these bacteria can contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of dangerous blockages. At the same time, the chronic inflammation caused by gum disease elevates inflammatory markers throughout the body, creating conditions that are associated with cardiovascular disease progression.

What makes this particularly important for families is that oral health habits established early in life set the foundation for lifelong wellness. Children who learn to brush and floss properly, who visit the dentist regularly, and who understand that their mouth health affects their whole body are far more likely to maintain those habits into adulthood. Parents and grandparents who model good oral hygiene and prioritize dental visits send a powerful message about the importance of preventive care — not just for teeth, but for hearts and overall health as well.

Simple Habits That Protect Both Your Teeth and Your Heart

The beauty of the oral-heart health connection is that the same habits that prevent gum disease also support cardiovascular wellness. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste removes the bacterial plaque that causes gum inflammation. Flossing daily cleans between teeth where brushes cannot reach, preventing the buildup that leads to periodontal pockets. Using a mouthwash with antimicrobial properties provides additional protection against the bacteria most commonly linked to both gum disease and cardiovascular complications. These are simple, affordable habits that every member of your family can adopt.

Nutrition also plays a dual role in protecting both your smile and your heart. Foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus strengthen tooth enamel and support healthy bone structure in the jaw. At the same time, these nutrients contribute to cardiovascular health by supporting proper muscle function and blood pressure regulation. Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery naturally clean tooth surfaces while providing antioxidants and fiber that benefit heart health. Reducing sugar intake protects against cavities and gum disease while also lowering the risk factors associated with heart disease, including elevated blood sugar and inflammation.

When to See Your Dentist: Warning Signs for the Whole Family

Knowing when to seek dental care is just as important as maintaining daily habits. For adults, warning signs of gum disease include bleeding gums during brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath that does not improve with oral hygiene, gums that appear red or swollen, receding gums that make teeth look longer than usual, and teeth that feel loose or shift position. Any of these symptoms could indicate an active infection that may be affecting more than just your mouth. For children, parents should watch for signs of early gingivitis, including puffy or bleeding gums, and should ensure that dental visits begin by age one and continue on a regular schedule.

Families in the greater Nashua area — including Milford, Litchfield, Pelham, and surrounding towns — have convenient access to comprehensive family dental care at our office on Amherst Street. We recommend dental checkups every six months for most patients, though individuals with a history of gum disease or elevated cardiovascular risk factors may benefit from more frequent visits. Our team takes the time to evaluate each family member's unique needs and create personalized care plans that support both oral and overall health.

Krothapalli Family Dental: Your Family's Partner in Whole-Body Wellness

At Krothapalli Family Dental, we see every dental appointment as an opportunity to invest in your family's long-term health. Our warm, welcoming office in Nashua is designed to make patients of all ages feel comfortable, and our team is passionate about educating families on the connections between oral health and systemic wellness. Whether you need a routine cleaning, a periodontal evaluation, or simply want to establish a dental home for your growing family, we are here to help every step of the way.

Ready to protect your family's smiles and hearts? Contact Krothapalli Family Dental today to schedule appointments for your whole family. Call us at (603) 883-2232 or visit our office at 491 Amherst Street, Suite 100, Nashua, NH 03063.

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Taking Care of Your Oral Health Between Dental Appointments

By Gerald M • July 2, 2019
For many individuals, their next dental appointment may be their first. A far too common thought process is if you are brushing twice daily and flossing, there is simply no need to go to the dentist. That, obviously, is wrong. Regardless of how strict of an oral hygiene regimen you have on your own, bi-yearly dental visits are imperative to ensure good oral health. Now, since it may have been some time since you last visited a dentist or it is your first visit, here are some tips on how to prepare for a visit to the dentist’s office: Learn How to Brush Properly For as long as most of us can remember, we have been brushing our teeth. The question is, though, are you brushing your teeth the right way? Here are the basics in how to brush your teeth properly: · Use soft-bristled brush · After adding toothpaste to the brush, place the brush at the gumline at a 45-degree angle and brush gums before brushing your teeth · When done along the gumline, focus on brushing the front of the teeth before doing the rear · The brush should move vertically across the teeth rather than horizontally (this helps remove plaque from all angles) · Ensure you reach the rear of your mouth to brush the molars (which are often missed, creating the biggest problems for dental visits) Flossing Properly After you have brushed and rinsed, it is time to floss. This will ensure the small food particles left behind and wedged between teeth and under gumlines are removed. Start flossing at the rear bottom, slipping the floss between the teeth and gently moving it upwards. Once the lower level is done, repeat the process on the upper level. For even better results, invest in a water flosser, as they are far more effective than using standard floss. Using Mouthwash The use of a proper mouthwash is just as vital as the first two steps. Today, there are so many varieties and brands, it is virtually impossible not to find something both effective and palatable. You may want to discuss a specific brand with your dentist to ensure you are using a mouthwash most compatible with your needs/concerns. When rinsing, swish a small amount of mouthwash around vigorously for about a minute, then spit out. Looking for a new Nashua, NH dentist ? Krothapalli Family Dental is now accepting new patients and we would love for you to become part of our dental family. For more information about our services or to make an appointment, please click here .

The Impact of Sugary Drinks on Teeth

By Gerald M • June 29, 2019
Now that the warmer weather is saturating the country, the consumption of sugary drinks is going to escalate considerably. Be it sweet tea or a sports drink or soda pop, people will be tossing them down to quench their thirst and battle the heat. With each sip, though, depending on the type of drink being consumed, you could be doing considerable damage to your teeth. Sure, it may take some time to come to fruition, but all that sugar will take a toll. Defining ‘Sugary’ Drinks It is very important to make note that even some drinks deemed healthy can actually do damage if the proper oral hygiene regimen is not in place. In this particular category, fruit drinks come to mind. Drinks like orange juice, cranberry juice, and smoothies fall into this category. While they may be “healthy” drinks, they also happen to be loaded with sugars. The Damage Whenever you toss down one of these sugar-packed drinks, you are unleashing the sugar on your teeth. While you may believe you have swallowed every ounce of the drink, rest assured, remnants of it are left behind on the surface of the tooth. When this happens, the bacteria in your mouth meant to consume the sugar are also doing damage to the surface of the tooth, eating away at the enamel. Eventually, that enamel gets weaker and we see the beginnings of a cavity forming. Avoiding the Damage of Sugary Drinks The obvious answer here is to cut out sugary drinks altogether, but that is not realistic, especially for health enthusiasts and athletes. For many people, those sugary drinks are the difference in completing the long run or ride and bonking out. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to minimize the damage done and keep the risk of cavities to a minimum. Today, there are several options for rinsing your mouth on the go. Listerine is now selling “portable” chews that can be used. When you are really in a crunch, simply take some water and swish it around in your mouth to get as much of the sugar off your teeth and out of your mouth as possible. For athletes, simply carry an extra bottle filled with water and sip that after sipping on your sports drink. If you have been putting off going to the dentist, now is the time to get your oral health back on track. If you are in need of a Nashua, NH dentist , Krothapalli Family Dental is now accepting new patients and we would love to have you join our family! For more information about our dental services or our contact information to make an appointment, please click here .

Finding a Dentist for Your Kids

By Gerald M • June 27, 2019
More and more parents are starting to recognize how important it is to provide age-1 dental care for their kids but many are still not sure what kind of dentist their child should be seeing. According to Cindy Bauer, DDS, MAGD, a spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry, there are many general dentists who are qualified to care for children. “Parents should seek out a dental office that provides a fun environment for children, so that they are excited about coming to the dentist’s office.” This is why so many dentists have gone out of their way to create an office environment that is specifically child-friendly. They may have entertainment available for children and parents including video games, books, games, and access to movies. In order to best prepare the child and avoid any surprises, parents should speak to the dentist about what procedures will happen at the first appointment. Parents should also have a plan in mind for either reaction from the child – a positive or a negative. Remember that very small children may have trouble sitting still during the visit. Build excitement by speaking to the child ahead of time about what they can expect. Also, remember to bring the child’s complete medical history for the dentist to review. If a parent can sense anxiety in their child with regard to the dentist, they should find out whether the dentist is willing to do a pre-visit. In many cases, the dentist will use a pre-visit to ease any fears the child may have by letting them get used to the office. They will give the child a tour of the facility, show them the tools they will use during the exam, let them sit in the dentist’s chair, and possibly even demonstrate on an older family member. The most important thing, according to Dr. Bauer, is to make sure children have regularly scheduled visits with their dentist. “This will help them have better oral health for the rest of their lives.” How to Calm Your Child’s Nerves About the Dentist: · Ask the dentist about the best way to explain the dental visit to your child. · Arrange for your child to have a tour of the dentist’s office prior to their visit. · Ask if the child can bring an older family member into the exam room with them. · Avoid giving your child foods with caffeine or sugar prior to the appointment. If you are looking for a Nashua, NH dentist , look no further than the Krothapalli Family Dental. We are currently accepting new patients and would love to help you get that beautiful smile you deserve. For more information about our services to schedule an appointment, please click here .

Dental Tips for Your Vacation

By Gerald M • June 22, 2019
Summer is finally here, and many people are finally going on their long-awaited vacations. Of course, nobody wants to have an issue with their teeth when they are away from home but being prepared for this type of issue can help you deal with it faster and get back to your vacation. Here are a few tips on how to handle a dental issue while you are on vacation. They always say that the best defense is a good offense. Make sure that you are up to date on your dental checkups before you leave on vacation. This will help you identify any small issues with your teeth that have the potential to turn into major problems while you are away. Not only will you have more peace of mind, but your dentist will have updated records just in case you do run into trouble. Of course, emergencies sometimes occur, even when you have taken all the right steps to prevent them. Keep contact information for your dentist with your travel documents and make sure that you have the office number in your phone. In many cases, your dentist will be able to help you solve your dental problem over the phone and help you get comfortable until you can come home and have an appointment. If you are out of the country, getting the dental care you need may be a bit more complicated, but it is still possible. Contact the US embassy to find a dentist who was trained in the United State. Cruise ships and resort hotels often have a list of providers for emergency dental services. Ask the concierge to help you set up an emergency appointment. When you are out of the country visiting friends or family, go with their best recommendation for dental care. In the hustle and bustle of preparing for a vacation, we often forget something as simple as packing a toothbrush. If you are stuck without a toothbrush and nowhere to get one, you can still take simple steps to clean your teeth. Rinse thoroughly with water to remove bacteria and sugars from the surface of your teeth. You can also put toothpaste on a washcloth until you are able to locate a proper toothbrush. When you do track one down, an ADA approved toothbrush is best but, if that isn’t possible, try to find one with soft bristles. Most of your favorite toothbrush brands can be purchased in any area of the world. Make sure that when you do pack your toothbrush, you do it with care. When we are at home, our toothbrushes have a chance to dry out. Bacteria won’t grow in a dry environment because it needs moisture to live. However, if you brush your teeth right before you leave, you might not have time to let it dry before you need to pack it. In this case, put your toothbrush in a clean plastic bag and keep it away from other items in your suitcase. As soon as possible, take your toothbrush out so that it can dry completely. Sugarless gum is one of the most important things you can keep on you for your dental health while you are traveling. For one thing, it will offer much-needed relief if you experience ear pressure during a plane takeoff or landing. However, sugarless gum can also help reduce your risk of cavities. If you are indulging in a lot of sweet treats during your vacation, chew a piece of sugarless gum afterward to protect your teeth. If you have a crown or bridge in your mouth that becomes loose during vacation, you can use sugar-free gum as a temporary hold until you can get to a dentist. It can also help as a temporary solution for tooth sensitivity when you’re on the road. Remember that not all areas where you travel will have water that is ideal for brushing your teeth. If you aren’t sure, pour bottled water onto your toothbrush instead. You do not want to have your vacation ruined by an illness as a result of ingesting contaminated local water. After your vacation, get right back to your normal oral hygiene routine. Spend some extra time brushing and flossing to make up for any lapses during your trip. Get back to healthy eating habits. There is no problem with indulging on vacation if you can get back to your normal habits when you get home. Looking for a Nashua, NH dentist ? Krothapalli Family Dental is now accepting new patients. For more information about our services or to request an appointment, click here .