You take care of your heart. You watch what you eat and try to exercise. And you see your doctor for regular checkups. But have you ever thought about your teeth and gums as part of your heart health?
It sounds unlikely. But the connection between oral health and heart disease is real, and at AH Smiles, we think every patient should understand it.
The Inflammation Link
Inflammation is your body’s natural response to infection or injury. It’s how your immune system fights off threats. But when inflammation becomes chronic, it can cause damage throughout your body.
Gum disease is a chronic inflammatory condition. The bacteria in your mouth trigger an immune response. Your gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily. If left untreated, that inflammation doesn’t stay in your gums. It enters your bloodstream and travels to other parts of your body.
That’s the link. Inflammation that starts in your mouth can contribute to inflammation elsewhere, including in your blood vessels.
What the Research Shows
Researchers have been studying the connection between gum disease and heart disease for decades. The evidence is strong enough that the American Heart Association and other health organizations have taken notice.
People with gum disease are more likely to develop heart disease. They’re also more likely to have a heart attack or stroke. The exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, but researchers believe inflammation from gum disease may contribute to plaque buildup in your arteries. That condition, called atherosclerosis, narrows your arteries and restricts blood flow.
It doesn’t mean gum disease causes heart disease. But it does mean that caring for your gums is another way to protect your heart.
Who Should Be Extra Careful
Some patients need to pay closer attention to this connection than others.
If you have a history of heart disease, a family history of heart problems, or risk factors like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, your gum health matters even more. The same is true if you’ve had a heart attack or stroke.
We also want to know if you have certain heart conditions, like a history of infective endocarditis or a prosthetic heart valve. In some cases, we may recommend antibiotics before dental procedures to prevent infection. We’ll discuss that with you and your physician.
What You Can Do
The connection works both ways. Just as poor oral health can affect your heart, good oral health can support it.
- Brush twice a day: Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Don’t rush. Two minutes each time.
- Floss daily: Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth where your brush can’t reach. If you don’t floss, you’re missing about a third of your tooth surfaces.
- Keep your regular cleanings: Professional cleanings remove the tartar that builds up despite your best efforts at home. They also help us catch gum disease early.
- Watch for signs of gum disease: Bleeding when you brush or floss. Red, swollen gums. Persistent bad breath. Don’t ignore these signs.
- Tell us about your health history: If you have heart disease or any other health condition, tell us. We can tailor your care to your specific needs.
Keep Your Smile, and Heart, Healthy
Your mouth is not separate from the rest of your body. Caring for your teeth and gums is part of caring for your whole self, including your heart. If you have heart disease or a family history of heart problems, please mention it at your next visit. We’ll work with you to make sure your oral health supports your overall health, not works against it.
Our team at AH Smiles serves patients from Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Long Grove, Deerfield, and Northbrook. Call us at (847) 230-9703 or request an appointment online. We’ll care for your smile and support your heart.