Why Your Dental Health Is Linked to Heart Health: What Patients Should Know

Your oral health affects more aspects of your overall health than you might think. When it comes to your heart health and your mouth, there’s a big connection. 

Research continues to show links between heart problems and gum disease. How is this possible? 

The complex relationship between your oral health and heart disease is worth exploring so you can prevent issues down the road. Here’s what you should know about this concerning link. 

How Gum Disease Affects the Body

Gum disease stems from an abundance of bacteria that have grown in your mouth. These bacteria cause inflammation and pain in your gums, and their growth usually comes from poor oral hygiene practices. 

Bacteria from infected gums can enter your bloodstream. As they travel through your arteries and blood vessels, they cause inflammation, which negatively affects your circulation and heart health. 

Some oral infections can contribute to plaque buildup in your arteries. Gum disease and heart health are not isolated from one another. 

Signs of Gum Disease to Watch For

If you’re worried you might have gum disease, don’t panic. In the earlier stages, gum disease can be reversed with good dental hygiene and treatments. 

Some signs of gum disease include:

• Chronic bad breath
• Gum recession (gums pulling back from teeth)
• Swollen gums
• Bleeding while brushing and flossing 
• Shifting or loose teeth 

The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, which is reversible. As it progresses, gum disease can become periodontitis, which is harder to treat and can lead to whole-body health problems. 

Shared Risk Factors for Gum and Heart Disease 

Certain underlying health conditions can increase your risk of developing both gum disease and heart problems. Managing all of these factors under medical supervision can benefit both your dental health and heart health in the long run. 

Smoking 

Smoking causes inflammation throughout the body and increases your risk of recurring infections. The toxins in tobacco smoke often deposit in the smoker’s mouth, leading to tooth and gum problems. 

Smoking is also one of the biggest risk factors for developing heart disease. It raises your blood pressure and damages your arteries over time. 

Poor Diet 

Not getting the right nutrients in your diet can reduce your body’s ability to fight oral infections. An overly inflammatory diet and malnutrition can lead to gum and tooth problems, as well as heart issues. 

Any type of inflammation in the body can stress your circulatory system, which includes your heart. 

Eating too much junk food or skipping out on fruits and vegetables can cause bacterial overgrowth in your mouth, which can travel throughout your bloodstream and raise your risk of heart disease. 

Diabetes

Unregulated blood sugar levels can damage your arteries, blood vessels, and heart. Diabetes can also cause high blood pressure, which increases your risk of heart attacks and strokes. 

Diabetes also affects your oral health. The condition can cause bacterial overgrowth in your mouth due to high blood sugar levels, which inflames your gums and increases the risk of cavities. 

Your body is less prepared to fight off infections when you have uncontrolled diabetes, so your risk of gingivitis goes up. 

Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Oral and Heart Health

It’s never too late to start practicing good oral hygiene habits. Taking a few simple steps each day can reduce your risk of both oral and heart diseases and improve your overall wellness. 

Brush and Floss Daily

Brush at least twice per day, and floss once or twice per day. Brushing your teeth after you eat breakfast in the morning and after dinner at night is a good idea. 

Floss before bed to remove food particles from between your teeth and prevent them from sitting overnight. Use a water flosser if string flossing is too painful or challenging for you. 

Schedule Regular Professional Dental Cleanings and Evaluations

Even if you brush and floss daily, you still need semi-annual dental evaluations and professional cleanings. 

Dental professionals use special tools to clean your teeth more thoroughly than you can at home. They also know how to spot the early signs of gum disease and other oral health problems, which is key to successfully treating them. 

Keep cleanings and evaluations on your calendar at least twice per year to stay on top of your dental health. 

Live a Healthy Lifestyle 

Diet and exercise are two of the best preventive health measures you can take. Focus on what you can add to your life instead of what you need to take away. 

For example, load your plate with nutritious foods, like whole fruits and vegetables. Add sources of lean protein and fiber to every meal. 

You can start small by walking for just five to ten minutes per day and work your way up to more vigorous exercise. 

Book Your Next Checkup With Monroe Family Dentistry

Your dental health and overall wellness are directly related. You should view routine dental care as a normal part of your comprehensive health treatments. 

At Monroe Family Dentistry, we offer top-quality care. Book your next checkup to stay on top of your dental health today.