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The Link Between Heart Health and Oral Health

Oral health problems like gum disease can lead to receding gums, tooth loss and deterioration of the jaw, but their effects aren’t restricted to the mouth. Oral health is part of overall health, and numerous studies have found connections between poor oral health and heart conditions such as heart disease, heart attacks and stroke.

By improving your oral health and having regular dental check-ups to catch problems early, you could lower your risk for developing these associated conditions, or avoid making an existing health condition worse.

Heart disease and gum disease

Gum disease is one of the most common oral health problems, which occurs when bacteria build up around the gum line and infect or irritate the gums, leading to inflammation. If gum disease isn’t treated, it may eventually lead to tooth loss.

Problems such as gum disease and tooth loss are linked with higher than average rates of cardiovascular (heart) problems. A 2018 study involving almost one million participants found a correlation between poor oral health and coronary heart disease.

This is thought to be due to bacteria in the gums travelling through the bloodstream to reach the heart, or the body’s inflammation response to gum disease affecting the heart and other systems. There are also common risk factors that make people more susceptible to gum disease and heart disease, particularly smoking.

Other related health conditions

In addition to heart disease, studies have also found links between poor oral health and other heart conditions, including stroke and atherosclerosis (clogged arteries). These are thought to be caused by inflammation resulting from bacteria in the mouth.

Other studies also link oral infections with conditions in other parts of the body, including rheumatoid arthritis and pancreatic cancer.

How to lower your risks

Poor oral health may be considered a risk factor for developing heart disease and other associated conditions. This risk increases further if conditions such as gum disease aren’t effectively managed and are left to develop, so it’s important to take good care of your oral health and try to lower you risk factors.

This includes:

  • Not smoking, which is a major risk factor for oral diseases, heart disease and other health conditions
  • Brushing your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste containing fluoride
  • Cleaning between your teeth daily using floss or other interdental cleaning tools
  • Cutting down on sugary food and drinks that bacteria feed on
  • Eating a balanced diet containing vitamins and minerals that support oral health and general health
  • Drinking water throughout the day to help cleanse your mouth of bacteria
  • Having a dental check-up and clean once or twice a year, as recommended by your dentist
  • Seeing a dentist or doctor if you have any unusual symptoms

See a dentist in Mosman

If you’re concerned about your teeth or gums, or it’s time for a check-up, make an appointment at Mosman 3D Dental for a comprehensive assessment with our experienced dentists. Call our friendly team on (02) 9969 8610 or make an online booking today.

References

Batty GD, Jung KJ, Mok Y, Lee SJ, Back JH, Lee S, Jee SH. Oral health and later coronary heart disease: Cohort study of one million people. Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2018 Apr;25(6):598-605. doi: 10.1177/2047487318759112. Epub 2018 Feb 20. PMID: 29461088; PMCID: PMC5946673.