The human body is made of countless interconnected systems that affect each other in surprising ways. One of these unexpected links is between oral health and heart disease. While the connection may seem improbable at first glance, numerous studies have uncovered a compelling relationship between your mouth and heart.
At Jenson Dental, we are committed to providing comprehensive care and giving our patients all the information they need to keep themselves happy and healthy. Keep reading to explore the link between oral health and heart disease and learn how to ensure your overall well-being.
Understanding Heart Disease
Heart disease isn’t one specific condition; it refers to various heart-related issues, including blood vessel disease, irregular heartbeats, heart failure, congenital heart defects, heart valve disease, and abnormal heart muscle. Coronary artery disease — and the heart attacks it causes — is the most common and well-known form of heart disease.
When your heart is not functioning optimally, it struggles to circulate blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout your body. This affects everything your body does, from digesting food to fighting infections. Therefore, heart disease can lead to various complications, including stroke, heart attack, cardiac arrest, pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, and more.
The Connection Between Oral Health and Cardiovascular Health
So, what does oral health have to do with heart disease? We aren’t sure exactly why, but many studies have shown that people who have poor oral health, including conditions like gum disease and tooth loss, are more likely to have cardiovascular problems than those with good oral health.
Bacteria
One prevailing theory is that the bacteria in your mouth that cause tooth decay and gum disease can also travel to blood vessels throughout the body, leading to heart vessel inflammation and damage. This can contribute to blood clots, heart attack, and stroke.
Studies that support this theory have found oral bacteria in the plaques that clog the arteries of patients with atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup.
Inflammation
Inflammation isn’t just your body’s natural response to infection and injury; it’s also another factor in the link between oral health and heart disease. While inflammation is an essential part of the healing process, chronic inflammation — particularly in the gums due to conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis — can trigger a cascade of harmful effects throughout the body.
As mentioned before, the bacteria responsible for oral plaque buildup can enter the bloodstream. This bacterial spread can cause systemic inflammation, which, in turn, contributes to the development and progression of various forms of heart disease.
Third Factor
Some scientists have suggested that there’s not a direct link between oral health and heart disease. Instead, the reason that they often occur concurrently may be due to a third factor, such as smoking, a lack of exercise, or insufficient access to healthcare. For example, maybe individuals who don’t have health insurance can’t afford to receive the healthcare they need, so they allow relatively minor issues to go untreated, leading to the development of both heart disease and oral health conditions.
Protect Your Heart and Your Smile
Regardless of the nature of this connection, taking steps to protect your heart and smile can never go wrong. As you know, maintaining a diligent oral health routine is of utmost importance. Basic habits like brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and using mouthwash help prevent plaque buildup and reduce your risk of gum disease and other systemic issues. Regular check-ups and cleanings at your dentist’s office are also essential for detecting and treating problems early on.
Additionally, heart-healthy lifestyle choices like eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can benefit both oral and cardiovascular health. To prevent tooth decay and gum disease while reducing your risk of gum disease, avoid consuming too many sugary or acidic foods and beverages.
Finally, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can significantly improve your oral and cardiovascular health. Smoking is infamously a major risk factor for gum disease and heart disease, as it constricts blood vessels, reduces circulation, and weakens the immune system. Similarly, excessive alcohol contributes to gum inflammation and cardiovascular issues.
Achieve Greater Overall Health at Jenson Dental
Taking care of your oral health doesn’t just give you a brighter, more radiant smile — it has a ripple effect throughout your whole body. At Jenson Dental, we are proud to improve our patients’ lives by providing outstanding dental care. Experience the difference yourself by scheduling an appointment today!
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