Dental Health and Heart Disease
Silverdale, WA
Oral Health Education provided by Dr. Kasey Gillespie, DDS
in Silverdale, WA at Life Long Dental
 When you have problems with your teeth and gums, it can affect your heart. Bacteria and other germs from your mouth can spread to your body through your blood, sticking to any damaged parts of your heart. This can cause swelling and illnesses like endocarditis, which is an infection of the heart lining. The American Heart Association says that the swelling from oral bacteria can also cause other heart problems like clogged arteries and stroke, hence the need to schedule a consultation with the experts at Life Long Dental for in-depth evaluation and treatment.
Who Is at Risk of Oral Based Heart Disease?
People with ongoing gum issues like gingivitis or severe gum disease have the highest chance of heart problems because of poor oral health. This is especially true if their oral health problems are not treated. The bacteria from gum infections start in the mouth and can move into the bloodstream, sticking to blood vessels and increasing the chance of heart disease. Even if you do not notice gum swelling, improper care of your teeth and plaque buildup can also cause gum disease. The bacteria travels into the bloodstream, causing a rise in a protein called C-reactive protein, which shows inflammation in blood vessels. This can raise the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Inflammation in the Blood Vessels of the Heart
Researchers have found a connection between gum disease and inflammation that can come before heart attacks, strokes, and sudden problems with blood vessels. However, the link between the two needs to be clarified. According to a study by the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, inflammation can happen for many different reasons and from other sources. Even so, several studies have shown that for people who already have heart disease or problems with their blood vessels, inflammation from gum disease can exacerbate the problem.
The risk becomes even higher when high cholesterol is also involved. Scientists have found bacteria from the mouth in the fatty deposits of people with atherosclerosis, a disease where plaque builds up in the arteries. If not treated, these deposits can make arteries narrow or break loose and block them, leading to a heart attack or stroke.
Factors That Affect the Teeth and Heart
Some things can harm your teeth and heart. To stay healthy, it is essential to avoid these risks and make changes to your daily habits to help you feel better overall. Excessive smoking and drinking alcohol are clearly bad for your health. Smoking can cause mouth cancer, gum disease, and other oral problems. Alcohol can increase sugar and acid in your mouth, which can harm the protective layer of your teeth. Consuming unhealthy food is also not good for your teeth or your body. It can cause cavities, and the sugars and starches can feed the bacteria in plaque, which can hurt your teeth. In addition, stress can also cause mouth problems like dry mouth and gum disease, which can affect your appetite, leading to poor diet choices.
How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy
Taking care of your teeth is connected to your heart health. Preventing gum disease and other oral issues is essential for overall health. You can take some simple steps to keep your teeth healthy and reduce the risk of harmful bacteria getting into your bloodstream.
Brush and Floss Regularly
Brush your teeth two times a day and floss every day to remove bacteria and plaque that can get your gums infected. If you use special dental appliances such as dentures or crowns, talk to your dentist about how to care for them.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
Remember your dental check-ups with your family dentist. Regular visits can help find and fix any dental problems early. Your dentist can clean your teeth and give you tips on how to keep them healthy. Getting your teeth cleaned by a professional at least twice a year is helpful, too. How often you need to go to the dentist depends on how healthy your mouth is.
Monitor Your Diet
A diet with lots of fruits, veggies, lean meats, and whole grains is suitable for both your teeth and your heart. Try to avoid sugary and processed foods since they can cause cavities and gum problems. Also, making healthy lifestyle choices, like quitting smoking or cutting down on it and reducing alcohol intake, can significantly improve your oral and overall health. Drinking water between alcoholic drinks can help keep your mouth moist and wash away some of the acidity.
Manage Stress Well
Too much stress can make your gums and heart unhealthy. Try activities like exercise, meditation, or spending time with family and friends to relax. Many students have linked stress to gum disease and cardiovascular conditions. To avoid these conditions, protect yourself from excessive stress
Dental Health and Heart Health FAQs
The fact that there is a relationship between heart and oral health still surprises many. Here are a few of the most common questions:
What Are the Signs of Gum Disease?
Signs of gum disease include red, swollen, or bleeding gums. Other signs include loose teeth, gums that are loose and pull away from teeth, bad breath, sensitive or sore teeth, and loss of taste.
What Can I Do to Prevent Gum Disease Infection?
To prevent gum disease, it is recommended to brush your teeth two times a day using a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Also, clean between your teeth with floss or an interdental toothbrush, clean dentures daily if you wear them, and have regular dental check-ups.
What Does a Healthy Diet Entail?
Healthy choices include consuming the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables, limiting foods and drinks with added sugars, saturated fats, and salt, and choosing water as your everyday drink. You should also limit alcohol intake and avoid smoking.
What Should I Discuss with My Dentist to Prevent Heart Complications?
It is important to discuss any oral health problems, heart problems, or other health conditions with your healthcare provider and dental practitioner. Review treatments or procedures they suggested, medications you are taking, and the effects of your medicines together.
How Often Should I Visit a Dentist?
It is recommended that you visit a dentist at least twice per year for a deep cleaning. However, you should discuss this with your dentist. The number of times you visit your dentist will depend on the condition of your oral health.
Your dental health is essential to your overall well-being. Studies have shown that poor oral health can affect your body and your heart more. To prevent and treat heart disease, you should get an oral examination as soon as possible. At Life Long Dental, we conduct thorough oral exams and recommend effective strategies to maintain optimal health. If you would like to discuss your oral health with an expert, feel free to call us at (360) 633-2377. |
