While you may have Valentine hearts on your mind, those aren’t the only kinds to consider this month. February is American Heart Month – a time to honor the ticker in your chest, plus its role in a good quality of life. That said, you’re in luck; your Bullard dentist has mouth-related guidance that’s relevant for the occasion. You can use it to strengthen your body and grin in the coming days. So, read on to learn how oral health affects heart health over time.
The Mouth-Heart Connection
While they may seem unrelated, your mouth and your heart have a strong connection to each other. The health of the former impacts the health of the latter.
It really comes down to harmful mouth bacteria. Rather than stick to your smile, these microbes will easily shift from your mouth and get into your bloodstream. They can then reach your heart, attaching to its values and causing cardiovascular inflammation. The latter scenario often causes problems like strokes, clogged arteries, etc.
Iffy Gums, Iffy Heart
Of course, you don’t need to take the words above at face value. Plenty of vetted and independent research backs them up.
Recent studies actually show that gum disease elevates your heart disease risk. For instance, one from 2014 indicates that patients with good gum care have cardiovascular care costs that are 10-40% lower. A 2010 review article similarly finds that gum disease increases the likelihood of heart disease by 20%.
The gum-heart disease link can be explained by C-reactive proteins. These elements are elevated by harmful mouth bacteria, and they act as a guide for inflammation in blood vessels.
Ways to Protect Your Smile & Heart
To keep your smile from causing heart problems, remember to do the following:
- Keep Your Mouth Clean – By brushing twice daily and flossing once daily, you’ll reduce the amount of harmful bacteria that can travel from your smile to your heart.
- Avoid Bad Oral Habits – Smoking tobacco puts you at a very high risk of gum disease.
- Get Dental Checkups – If you visit your dentist at least every six months, they can diagnose and prevent issues that’d harm both your smile and your heart.
- Check for Gum Disease – Since early gum disease can be reversed, keep an eye out for its signs. Seeing your dentist when they occur will keep your mouth stable.
Since oral health affects heart health, protecting your grin won’t just impress your Valentine date. It’ll also defend your heart for years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Tad Morgan is a dentist based in Bullard, TX, having earned his DDS from the Baylor College of Dentistry. Decades of experience have made him an expert in preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, as well as same-day dental emergency care. That means you can trust him (and his team) to provide the help your smile needs! Today, Dr. Morgan practices at his self-titled clinic and is reachable on his website and by phone at (903)-825-1112.