Did you know that maintaining your oral health may also protect your heart? Increasing evidence, such as this study from 2017, shows that oral health and cardiovascular health are linked. Since your mouth is closely tied to your cardiovascular system, it has an impact on your overall well-being in ways we’re only beginning to grasp.
The following insights examine the intricate relationship between oral health and cardiovascular health. Ahead, discover practical ways to improve your dental wellness and overall health.
Gum Disease and Chronic Inflammation
Periodontitis, or advanced gum disease, is more than an oral health issue; it’s a chronic inflammatory condition. When gum disease sets in, your body responds with persistent inflammation to fight the infection. This inflammatory response doesn’t stay contained in your mouth; it can spread throughout your body.
Chronic inflammation is a known contributor to cardiovascular problems such as heart disease and atherosclerosis. This recent study suggests people with gum disease have a higher likelihood of developing heart problems. The inflammation triggered in your gums may damage blood vessels.
Oral Bacteria and Your Bloodstream
One overlooked aspect of how oral health and cardiovascular health are connected is the impact of oral infections. Their ability to introduce harmful bacteria into the bloodstream, known as bacteremia, can occur during routine oral activities, such as brushing vigorously or flossing carelessly if your gums are inflamed or infected.
Once in the bloodstream, these bacteria can attach to the artery walls, promoting fat deposits that lead to arterial plaque buildup. Over time, the fat deposits can result in hardened arteries and increase the likelihood of heart attacks or strokes.
By addressing oral infections early and practicing good oral hygiene, you can reduce the chances of harmful bacteria entering your bloodstream and putting unnecessary strain on your cardiovascular system.
Endocarditis
Poor oral hygiene can directly lead to a serious heart condition called bacterial endocarditis, an infection of the heart’s inner lining typically caused by bacteria that enter the bloodstream from the mouth.
For individuals with heart conditions or weakened valves, bacterial endocarditis can have life-threatening consequences. The risk of this condition highlights the importance of regular dental checkups to address oral health issues before they impact your heart.
Shared Risk Factors
It’s no coincidence that certain lifestyle factors increase the risk of oral and cardiovascular diseases. Smoking, for example, is notorious for causing gum disease and is also a major contributor to heart disease.
Similarly, poor dietary habits and uncontrolled diabetes create fertile ground for oral infections and cardiovascular complications. Addressing these shared risk factors by quitting smoking, eating a heart-healthy diet, and managing blood sugar levels can improve your oral and overall health.
Inflammatory Responses and Atherosclerosis
Oral infections can activate inflammatory pathways that may contribute to atherosclerosis, a condition involving the thickening or hardening of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. The systemic inflammation triggered by untreated oral infections exacerbates the formation of arterial plaques. The narrowing of arteries not only reduces blood flow to your heart and brain but also increases the risk of sudden, severe events like heart attacks or strokes.
Blood Vessel Damage
The toxins released by oral bacteria can have devastating effects on your blood vessels. These toxins irritate blood vessel linings, causing micro-damage that the body tries to repair. However, the repair process often results in scarring, hardening, or narrowing of the arteries.
Over time, these changes make it more difficult for blood to circulate efficiently, further increasing the risk of cardiovascular events. Proper dental care can prevent the proliferation of oral bacteria and minimize their impact on your circulatory system.
Reduced Immune System Health
Chronic oral infections force your immune system to work overtime, leaving it less capable of addressing threats elsewhere in the body. This state of immune system overactivity can leave the body vulnerable, making it harder for the immune system to fend off infections, including those that affect the heart. By treating oral infections and maintaining excellent oral hygiene, you give your immune system a chance to function optimally, contributing to better heart health in the long run.
Gum Disease and Hypertension
Emerging research, such as this 2020 study, shows a potential connection between gum disease and high blood pressure (hypertension). The inflammation triggered by periodontal disease may contribute to blood vessel narrowing and increased vascular resistance, two key factors associated with the development of high blood pressure.
While further data is needed to understand this link fully, the early findings provide one more reason to prioritize your oral health. Addressing gum disease could be a key step toward maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.
Preventive Care: What You Can Do
Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to support heart health. By focusing on prevention in the following ways, you can make significant strides toward safeguarding your heart and overall health.
Maintaining Consistent Oral Hygiene
Consistency in your daily oral hygiene routine is necessary for maintaining oral and cardiovascular health. Brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings can prevent oral infections that may escalate into systemic health issues.
For those at higher risk, your dentist may recommend antimicrobial mouthwash, which reduces harmful bacteria that lead to inflammation and bloodstream infections. Don’t use mouth rinses that contain alcohol, as these will kill the good bacteria in addition to the bad.
Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles fray, as worn bristles may fail to clean effectively. These small, consistent habits form the foundation of preventative care.
Regular Dental Visits
Routine dental checkups are your first line of defense against oral health problems that may escalate into systemic issues. Dentists can identify early signs of gum disease, cavities, or other problems that you might overlook.
They may also catch signs of other health problems that can manifest symptoms in the mouth. Professional cleanings remove tartar and plaque buildup that regular brushing can’t, ensuring a healthier mouth and reducing the likelihood of bacteria entering your bloodstream.
A Healthy Diet
A diet rich in calcium, vitamins C and D, and omega-3 fatty acids promotes strong teeth and gums. Avoiding sugar, simple carbs, and acidic foods reduces the risk of cavities and gum disease, while heart-healthy foods like leafy greens, nuts, and fiber-rich grains protect your oral and cardiovascular systems. Staying hydrated supports saliva production, which naturally helps combat harmful bacteria.
Better Heart Health Starts With Oral Care
The connection between oral and cardiovascular health is undeniable. By taking care of your teeth and gums, you can also reduce health risks to your heart and overall well-being. To learn more about improving your oral health or for guidance on preventive care, schedule an appointment with Pinnacle Dental Associates. Our dental office prioritizes your health, offering comprehensive care to help you achieve a radiant smile and optimal wellness.