I’m doctor Brandon Bice, Dentist and Blogger for Grand Dental Group, as well as former Defensive End for the NIU Huskies. The Championship ‘85 Bears season was a bit before my time, but growing up in the Chicagoland area, I remember Bears heroes of my youth, particularly the legendary coach “Iron” Mike Ditka.

As you may have heard, Hall of Fame coach and player, Mike Ditka, suffered a massive Heart attack in late-
November. Thankfully, he is recovering nicely at his home in Naples, FL. Check out this USA Today article on Coach Ditka’s recent health scare:
bit.ly/USATodayDitka.

In addition to football, Coach Ditka and I have something else in common… before dedicating himself to the sport, he was studying to become a Dentist at the University of Pittsburgh. Knowing his passion for dentistry, I feel obliged to stress the importance of good Oral hygiene as it relates to Heart Disease.

Oral Hygiene is absolutely crucial to sustaining a healthy heart, as bacteria from the mouth can travel to the heart through the bloodstream and cause inflammation. According to the Mayo Clinic website, “Some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral bacteria can cause.“

Don’t take your mouth and heart for granted. Follow Mike Ditka’s advice on oral health in this video from the late 1980’s and make sure to visit your local Grand Dental to maintain a game-winning smile.

Have suggestions for future Blogs? I’d love to hear from you! Submit your ideas at [email protected].

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