The Connection Between Oral Health and Heart Disease: What St. George Residents Need to Know

When you visit your dentist, usually you hear lectures about flossing and cavities. But what if, for once, your dentist starts telling you about maintaining your oral health for the sake of your heart? This may come as a surprise, but there is a connection between oral health and heart disease—doctors and dentists have even been studying it for years.

Bad oral hygiene is often connected to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes to begin with. Other cardiovascular issues may follow. The culprit? Inflammation and bacteria. That same bacteria that makes your gums swell and bleed can clog your arteries and cause heart-related issues just by entering your bloodstream.

To prevent further risks, you should learn more about this oral health-heart disease connection and what to do to keep them both healthy.

The Link Between Oral Health and Heart Disease

Oral health care covers everything in your mouth: teeth, gums, jawbones, and others. Common issues like gum inflammation—those which dentists refer to as gingivitis and periodontitis—may lead to extreme discomfort or even tooth loss. That’s because the build-up of bacteria in your mouth forms plaque. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar, which can lead to swelling, sensitivity, and infection.

The bad bacteria responsible may also enter your bloodstream, affecting other parts of your body. When entering the bloodstream, oral bacteria can attach themselves to fatty deposits in the arteries. They raise the risk of clots—a factor that can cause heart attacks or strokes.

Sure, the relationship between oral health and heart disease is a complex one. Furthermore, not all studies confirm this direct connection. However, there is a remarkable enough connection between the two to deserve our attention.

Shared risk factors

Some risk factors that are common to both poor oral health and heart disease are:

• Smoking: Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for both gum disease and cardiovascular conditions.
• Poor nutrition: Diets lacking essential nutrients can compromise immune function, making it harder to fight off infections, including gum disease, and contribute to heart disease.
• Diabetes: This condition increases the risk of infections, including gum disease, and is a known risk factor for heart disease.

Signs Your Oral Health May Be Affecting Your Heart

Stay vigilant about your oral health. Your careful attention can provide early indicators of potential heart issues. If you notice any of the following symptoms, consult both your dentist and healthcare provider immediately.

• Swollen, bleeding Gums: Constant inflammation and bleeding signal gum disease, which may be linked to heart problems.
• Loose or missing teeth: This condition can result from advanced gum disease, indicating significant oral health issues.
• Persistent bad breath: Ongoing bad breath can be a sign of bacterial infection in the mouth.

How to Keep Your Mouth and Heart Healthy

Keeping your heart healthy should start by practicing good oral hygiene. Take proactive steps, such as:

• Brush your teeth twice daily: Use fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque efficiently.
• Floss regularly: Daily flossing will remove the remaining food particles and plaque between teeth, which are areas a toothbrush can’t reach.
• Go to the dentist regularly: Schedule an appointment at your dental clinic to perform professional cleanings and exams to catch issues early.
• Eat a healthy diet: Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support both oral and heart health.
• Avoid tobacco: Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of both gum and heart disease.

Performing these tasks in your daily routine will help you maintain your health. They keep your teeth clean, and gums healthy, and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Conclusion

The connection between oral health and heart disease showcases how crucial it is to care for your overall health. Maintaining good oral hygiene and addressing shared risk factors will protect your heart from potential cardiovascular issues.

Since a healthy mouth contributes strongly to a robust heart, start making your dental visits more regularly. Contact our St. George dental clinics to arrange for a dental examination and get professional help from our dentists.