It’s American Heart Month, and the perfect opportunity to learn more about how your oral health affects your cardiovascular system. In fact, studies have shown that people with periodontal (gum) disease are two to three times more likely to have a stroke, heart attack, or any other cardiovascular event than those who don’t! Here’s a closer look at how to protect your teeth and your heart through excellent oral hygiene practices!
The Connection Between the Heart and Gums
While the two may not seem to have much in common, believe it or not, your gums can cause or contribute to a variety of problems with your heart. One main danger is periodontitis, an inflammatory disease of the gums and supporting tissues of the teeth. Unfortunately, periodontitis is the sixth most common human illness and can lead to atherosclerotic changes (the narrowing of arteries) due to inflammation. This in turn can cause both cardiovascular events and stroke.
How Oral Hygiene Can Protect Your Heart
Keeping your teeth and gums clean and bacteria-free by brushing twice a day and flossing daily is your first line of defense against periodontal disease. This, in conjunction with regular visits to your dentist, can help keep your mouth healthy and reduce inflammation and bacteria, protecting your heart and smile at the same time.
Furthermore, quitting bad oral habits like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and things like not removing your dentures overnight can also increase your risk of gum disease.
Other Diseases Affected by Gum Disease
In addition to putting your heart’s health in jeopardy, gum disease can also put other areas of your body at risk, including:
- Your bones: Studies have shown that lower bone density can contribute to jawbone deterioration, which can cause tooth loss.
- Your respiratory system: Bacteria colonizing in your mouth can travel to your lungs and cause infections like pneumonia, which is more common for those who already have periodontal disease.
- Your blood and organs: Recent studies have shown that gum disease could increase your risk of developing certain forms of cancer-like kidney, pancreatic, and blood cancer.
- Your joints: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been linked to gum disease.
Remember, while the link between your heart and your gums may not seem like an obvious connection, the truth is that these two areas of the body can often influence each other more than you might realize. Thus, to protect your oral, cardiovascular, and overall health, be sure to take excellent care of your teeth and gums and you’ll have plenty of reasons to smile for years to come!
About Our Practice
At Gentle Dentistry Sparta, Dr. Cannon and Dr. Shahinian want to help protect your teeth and gums so you can live a long, healthy life. If you are concerned about the condition of your gums, schedule a consultation for gum disease treatment by visiting our website or calling 973-729-9044.