When it comes to caring for your heart, you probably don’t think about your oral hygiene routine. However, while it might not seem like these two things are connected at all, your heart health is greatly impacted by your gum health. Growing research continues to suggest a significant connection between your oral health and the well-being of your heart.
At Avenues Dentistry, we want patients to understand how impactful their oral health routine can be for their overall well-being. Without proper oral hygiene, you might deal with more health problems than you realize. If you want to learn more about how your oral health and care routine impact your heart health, keep reading.
How Your Oral Health Affects Your Heart
In 2019, the American Heart Association reported that approximately 121 million adults in the United States experience cardiovascular disease in some way. This can include coronary heart disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, and strokes. With almost half of the country experiencing heart disease in some way, it is essential that you do everything in your power to keep yourself safe.
Although you might not realize it, the primary connection between your oral health and heart disease lies in inflammation and bacteria growth. Your mouth acts as a gateway to your body. As you neglect your oral hygiene, you will experience an accumulation of bacteria that can cause gum disease, also known as periodontal disease.
If this bacteria enters your bloodstream, this can open the door to allowing it into a variety of other parts of your body, including your heart. To understand how this occurs, there are a few key mechanisms that you must understand. These include:
- Inflammation: Gum disease is characterized by chronic inflammation. While you’ll experience inflammation of your gums, the inflammation doesn’t end here. In fact, it can spread to your arteries. This inflammation can lead to the development of atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up in your arteries, increasing your risk of experiencing a stroke or heart attack.
- Bacterial Infection: The bacteria that develops as a result of your gum disease can enter the bloodstream. Once it does this, it attaches to the fatty deposits in the blood vessels of your heart, leading to clot formation. These clots can restrict blood flow to the heart and increase your risk of a heart attack.
The Research to Back These Claims
There are several studies that have highlighted the connection between your oral health and the development of heart disease. These studies include:
- Journal of the American Heart Association: In 2012, the Journal of the American Heart Association found that individuals who experience periodontal disease had a 20% greater risk of developing heart disease compared to individuals without gum disease.
- Harvard Medical School: In 2021, Harvard Medical School found that those who have gum disease are two to three times more likely to experience a heart attack or stroke than those who do not.
- Journal of Dental Research: In 2016, the Journal of Dental Research found that there is also a connection between tooth decay and heart disease. Individuals with untreated tooth infections are 2.7 times more likely to deal with cardiovascular health problems.
How to Maintain Good Oral Health
While your chances of developing heart disease are higher if you are dealing with periodontal disease and other oral health problems, there are several things you can do to protect yourself from this. Some of the easiest ways to maintain your oral health and avoid the development of periodontal disease include:
- Brush and Floss Regularly: The easiest way to maintain your oral health is to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove any plaque and tartar buildup. By removing this bacteria from your mouth, you are protecting yourself from developing gum disease.
- Healthy Diet: The food you eat has a major impact on your oral health. If you want to keep yourself safe, try to maintain a diet low in sugar and rich in nutrients to support your oral and cardiovascular health. Some heart-healthy foods include fish and other low-fat proteins, nuts, seeds, and fresh produce.
- Avoid Tobacco Products: Regularly consuming tobacco products can have a significant impact on your oral health and more. If you want to avoid the harmful effects of tobacco on your oral health, it is essential that you avoid these products when possible. If you use these products, you might want to consider investing in nicotine patches or gums to help you ween yourself off of it.
- Manage Health Condition: Conditions like diabetes are also known for hurting your oral health and increasing your risk of gum disease. If your doctor has recently mentioned these diseases, it is essential that you treat them to help limit your risk of developing heart disease.
- Regular Dental Checkups: If you want to keep a close eye on your oral health, it is important that you attend twice-yearly dental cleanings and checkups with your dentist. During these visits, they can catch the earliest signs of gum disease, helping you halt it in its tracks before it has any consequences on your heart health.
Avenues Dentistry – Your Trusted Oral Health Partner
If you are looking for a reliable dental team in the Salt Lake City area, turn to our team at Avenues Dentistry. With years of experience providing dental care to patients across the area, we are confident that we’re the right team for you. Whether you’re trying to combat gum disease or you’re looking for cosmetic dental care, our team provides a variety of services to ensure we’re meeting every patient’s unique needs.
If you would like to learn more about the services we provide or you’re ready to schedule an appointment with us, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
