Love Your Heart: The Surprising Link Between Gum Health and Heart Disease

Did you know that your heart health has a lot to do with your oral health? 

It may sound far-fetched, but much research points to a strong connection between the state of your heart and the condition of your gums.

Even though these two parts of your body seem completely unrelated, the opposite is actually true.

Here, we’ll talk about the connection between your mouth and your heart, and how you can take the best care of both.

As a dental expert who prioritizes patient education, Dr. Ali Saeghi and the team at Modern Age Dentistry want to keep patients informed about all they can do to take the best care of their smiles — and this involves more than the brushing and flossing you hear about most often.

In reality, the many parts and systems of our bodies are more interconnected — and interdependent — than we might realize. The good news is that, by being proactive about our oral health, we’re also doing the best for our heart health.

What’s the heart disease-gum health connection?

Keeping your heart in great shape is a great reason for taking excellent care of your teeth and gums.

We already know that insufficient brushing and flossing lead to decay, cavities, and other oral health problems. However, the bacteria that develop in our mouths as a result of poor oral hygiene — eventually turning to hard plaque that coats the teeth if tartar isn’t removed daily — then travel through our bloodstream and on to different parts of the body, including the heart. 

A snowball effect occurs, and when the bacteria hits our heart, inflammation develops and leads to:

• Clogged arteries (atherosclerosis)
• Endocarditis (an infection of the heart’s lining ) 
• Heart attack
• Increased stroke risk

Mounting evidence paints a clear picture: People living with gum disease have been found to be 28% more likely to experience a heart attack than those who do a good job of supporting their oral health. 

Another concerning but little-known fact is that individuals who don’t take care of their teeth and gums are at higher risk for human papillomavirus, or HPV, a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Having HPV increases your risk for heart attack. 

Though a vaccine is recommended for children as young as 9 years of age, keeping on top of your oral health is another powerful protective tool.

How do I know if I have gum disease?

The signs may be more subtle when you’re living with mild gum disease, also known as gingivitis, than when you have symptoms of advanced periodontal disease. 

Early gum disease indications include sensitivity, redness, and swelling. You also might notice some bleeding when you brush and floss, and you might also notice that you have bad breath.

When you’re living with advanced periodontal disease, more serious symptoms emerge:

• Pain when chewing
• Gum recession
• Loose teeth 
• Bone loss
• Bite problems
• Lost teeth

Although treatments are available for severe gum disease, including scaling and root planing (a type of deep cleaning) and surgical solutions, it’s best to head gum disease off so you avoid developing it in the first place.

For better oral and heart health, don’t let gum disease begin

When you think about it, preventing gum disease is straightforward. You simply need to:

• Brush twice a day, religiously
• Floss daily
• Make your regular dental checkups with Dr. Saeghi and keep them
• Live a lifestyle that supports a healthy heart

What are these heart-healthy habits? It comes down to the pillars of health you’ve likely heard about:

• Aim to eat fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, lean protein, and healthy fats
• Exercise every day — aim for at least 150 minutes per week
• Get sufficient rest
• Tame stress by seeing friends, getting outside, and adopting a mindfulness practice
• Steer clear of too much alcohol
• Don’t use tobacco products

By giving your gums plenty of consistent TLC, you can keep your ticker beating longer and healthier. We’re here to help with advice, a wide range of services, and true concern for your overall health. 

Contact our Ojai, Los Angeles, or West Hills, California, office to schedule an appointment and learn more or get your gum health assessed. You can also book an appointment with us through our website.