You know brushing and flossing keep your teeth clean and your breath fresh. Did you know there’s a relationship between oral health and heart disease? According to the American Heart Association, today’s poor dental hygiene is associated with cardiovascular risk.
If you need another reason to prioritize dental health, keep reading.
Connecting Oral Health and Heart Disease
Researchers have long noted the connection between oral health and heart disease, which may be rooted in bacteria.
Oral bacteria can build up in your mouth when you don’t brush and floss regularly. Over time, these bacteria can cause gum disease. If the bacteria travels through your blood, it may eventually reach your heart, where it may lead to heart attack, stroke and other serious problems.
Additionally, oral bacteria can lead to severe tooth loss, which, in turn, increases the risk of dying from heart disease, according to research published in the Journal of Endodontics.
Other Potential Causes
While research suggests poor oral health may cause heart disease, the link isn’t clear-cut. Some suspect heart disease affects those with poor dental health for the following reasons:
- Access. If you don’t have health insurance or access to care, your overall health may be at risk. Without regular preventive care, you may miss early warning signs of heart disease, stroke and dental health issues.
- Inflammation. Inflammation occurs when your immune system fights a foreign invader. When bacteria cause periodontal disease, you get inflamed gums. Additionally, chronic inflammation seems to put the heart at risk.
- Smoking. Cigarettes can cause a lot of problems, including heart disease and gum disease. As smoking damages your heart and blood vessels, the unhealthy habit raises your risk for a heart attack.
Brush Up on Your Good Health
To maximize your heart care and enjoy a clean, healthy mouth, follow these tips.
- Eat the right foods. A healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables is good for your teeth and heart. Avoid added sugars, as they feed bacteria and speed up tooth decay.
- Keep a clean mouth. Brush your teeth at least two times a day, and floss daily. This helps remove bacteria that cause problems in your mouth and beyond.
- Quit tobacco. If you smoke or chew tobacco or other substances, quit. Smoking cessation will reduce your risk for all sorts of health issues, including coronary artery disease.
- Schedule your annual checkup. Your primary care provider and dentist help monitor your overall health. At each appointment, mention any new symptoms affecting you and ask questions that empower you to stay healthy.
Whether you’re working on your diet, heart health or both, find a provider at Union Health who can help.