by 
Smiles are one of the best ways we can communicate the emotional state of our hearts. These two parts of our anatomy are well connected in many ways, and it’s important to realize just how much. Oral health has been thought to be linked to the health of our heart, and recent studies have shown how much this is true. Many of us don’t think of our mouths and hearts as being linked, but it’s important to recognize that although you may exercise and eat well, if you neglect your teeth, your heart could still be at risk.
A study by the Centers for Disease Control found that nearly half of American adults 30 and older are in some stage of gum disease. Another study by the University of Toronto states that the missing evidence between gum disease and other systemic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, is an overabundance of cells known as neutrophils. These cells could be the mechanism by which people contract other unrelated health issues, including heart disease. These studies showcase the importance of protecting your oral health in order to prevent harm to your other bodily systems.
Poor oral hygiene can lead to a buildup of plaque along the gumline, and this will eventually cause inflammation of the gums and even lead to periodontal disease. At this point, bacteria will enter the bloodstream through the gums and travel to other parts of your body, including the heart. Oral bacteria could lead to serious cardiovascular conditions such as endocarditis, which is an infection of the inner lining of the heart, and atherosclerosis, which is clogged arteries that could eventually lead to a stroke. Poor dental health and lack of hygiene has also been linked to worsened blood pressure and heart valve infections.
You may be wondering what you need to watch out for in regards to your oral health to ensure your heart isn’t in danger. Those with unmanaged chronic gum conditions such as gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease face a higher risk of developing heart disease. According to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) here are some of the signs of gum disease to look out for:
- Your gums are puffy, red, swollen, and sore.
- Your gums bleed when you eat, brush or floss.
- You see pus or other signs of infection around the gums and teeth.
- Your gums look as if they are “pulling away” from the teeth, or some of your teeth are loose.
- You frequently have bad breath or notice a bad taste in your mouth.
The most important thing you can do to maintain not only good oral health, but to also protect your overall health, is to follow a good dental care routine. Brushing twice a day, flossing, eating a nutritious diet, and visiting your dentist regularly are some of the best ways to take care of your teeth. A study by the American Heart Association found that in a group of 682 participants, those who said they brushed less than twice a day for less than two minutes had a three-fold increased risk compared to those who said they brushed at least twice a day for at least two minutes. It goes to show how important brushing your teeth, preferably with an American Dental Association approved toothbrush and toothpaste, is for your teeth and gums. At Simply Smiles, our patients are near and dear to our hearts, and we hope you’ll call our office today so we can help ensure the health of yours!
Sources:
https://www.heart.org/en/news/2018/11/07/bad-tooth-brushing-habits-tied-to-higher-heart-risk\
https://www.yongeeglintondental.com/2021/01/04/how-does-dental-health-affect-heart-health/
https://www.sclhealth.org/blog/2021/09/how-your-oral-health-may-affect-your-heart/
https://www.okheart.com/about-us/ohh-news/how-dental-health-can-impact-your-heart