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.
Some common risk factors for both heart disease and gum disease include:
- Smoking
- An unhealthy diet
- Diabete
Symptoms of Gum Disease
The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. If caught early, the effects of gingivitis can be stopped, and the symptoms reversed. However, once gum disease progresses past a certain point, it becomes a chronic condition you will have for the rest of your life.
Symptoms of gingivitis can include red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush or floss and bad breath. When gum disease progresses, symptoms can range from gums that appear to pull away from the teeth to bone loss causing your teeth to become loose.
Keep Your Mouth and Heart Healthy
Although some people may have a genetic predisposition to developing heart disease or gum disease, you still have control over the situation.
Here are some ways to help prevent heart disease and gum disease:
- 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
Conclusion
Even if you have already received a diagnosis of heart disease or gum disease, you can still make changes in your life to reduce their progression.
Also Check :