Heart Health and the Dental Connection

February is American Heart Month! What does heart health have to do with oral health? Evidence suggests… a lot!

Science has found two very distinct links between a person's oral health and heart health. Signs of heart disease may be noticeable in a person's gum tissue, and someone with gum disease has a higher risk of developing heart disease.

Heart disease claims over 600,000 lives each year, and having gum disease increases your risk of heart attack by almost 30%. Those are some staggering statistics!

Studies suggest that your oral health and heart health are linked by bacteria's spread through the bloodstream. When bacteria that live in your mouth enter the bloodstream, they can reach your heart and cause inflammation. Inflammation in the heart could cause endocarditis (an infection in the lining of the heart), clogged arteries, or stroke.

• Brush and floss twice a day
• See your dentist for regular exams even if you have full dentures
• Don't smoke cigarettes or vape and avoid smokeless tobacco products
• Eat a healthy diet that's low in processed foods and sugar
• Drink plenty of water
• Exercise regularly

Even if you have already been diagnosed with heart disease or gum disease, it's never too late to make changes in your life to reduce their progression. Adopting these new habits can be beneficial to your health and help keep you strong and healthy at any age.