Your mouth can reveal more than just your dental health. In fact, regular cleanings can reveal other developing issues elsewhere in your body. Persistent bleeding gums or bad breath could be more than minor issues. Current research shows a significant link between oral health and heart disease, with gum inflammation affecting your arteries. Understanding this connection can help you make informed choices for both your teeth and heart health.
How Oral Health Relates to Heart Health
Gum disease often starts without much fanfare. Plaque builds up, causing gums to become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, affecting the bone and ligaments that support your teeth. This inflammation creates a pathway for bacteria to enter your bloodstream, potentially impacting your blood vessels and contributing to arterial plaque.
Here is the crux: gum infections and ongoing inflammation may lead to a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. Shared risk factors like smoking, diabetes, and high blood pressure can intensify the effects of both gum and heart diseases. While treating gum disease is not a cure for heart conditions, reducing oral inflammation can lower the body's overall inflammatory load, benefiting both oral and heart health.
Signs Your Oral Health May Be Affecting Your Heart
Do you notice any of these symptoms of gum disease?
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste
- Tender, swollen, or receding gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
These signs indicate inflammation, a key link between dental hygiene and heart disease. People with diabetes, smokers, and those with high blood pressure or cholesterol should be particularly vigilant. If you have a heart condition, pay close attention to oral symptoms, as heart health and dental health are more connected than they seem.
Daily Habits That Support a Healthy Mouth and Heart
- Brush twice daily for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss or use interdental brushes daily to clean between teeth.
- Ask your dentist about antiseptic or antimicrobial mouthwash.
- Clean your tongue to reduce bacteria and improve breath.
Your diet plays a role too. Focus on vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, whole grains, and low-fat dairy or fortified alternatives. Reduce added sugars and sticky snacks that promote plaque. Drink water, avoid tobacco, and limit alcohol intake. These habits benefit both heart and dental health, reinforcing the connection between the two.
Working With Your Dentist to Protect Your Dental and Heart Health
Professional cleanings remove tartar that regular brushing misses. Routine checkups can detect gum disease early, which is crucial for managing both dental and heart health. If you have a cardiac device, take blood thinners, or have recently had heart surgery, inform your dentist. Coordinated care ensures safe and effective treatment.
For those undergoing periodontitis treatment, following home care instructions and attending maintenance visits can reduce inflammation, supporting both dental and heart health.
Don't have a dentist yet? Find one near you by using our online Find a Dentist tool.
| What To Know | Why It Matters | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| Gum Inflammation is a driver | Links dental health and heart health | Brush, floss, and treat gum disease early |
| Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream | Affects vessels and may lead to arterial plaque | Prioritize cleanings and daily interdental care |
| Shared risk factors | Smoking, diabetes, and high blood pressure affect gums and arteries | Manage chronic conditions and quit tobacco |
| Team-based care | Coordination supports health outcomes | Inform your dentist about heart history and medications |
Delta Dental of Washington and Your Total Health
Some existing heart health issues are qualifying conditions for Delta Dental of Washington’s TotalHealth Wellness Program. Because dental health is one part of your overall health, we offer the TotalHealth Wellness Program which provides expanded coverage – including more annual cleanings – to members in participating employer-sponsored plans that experience other health issues that may be connected to their dental health. Learn more and see if you are eligible!
Protect Your Smile and Your Heart
Healthy gums are a heart-smart habit. Focus on daily hygiene, balanced nutrition, and regular checkups. Recognizing the connection between cardiovascular disease and oral health can lead to powerful health improvements. By aligning dental and heart health, you can achieve stronger gums, a confident smile, and better overall well-being. Ready to take action? Schedule a checkup, inquire about your gum health, and develop a plan to prevent both gum and heart disease. Your future self will appreciate it.
Quick Answers
What is the link between heart health and dental health?
According to the American Heart Association, there is a growing body of research pointing to the connection between cardiovascular disease and gum disease, with many theories considering the presence of bacteria, infection, or chronic inflammation being a possible cause.
Is dental work hard on your heart?
Dental work in general is not considered a risk to healthy hearts, but individuals who are in recovery from any heart issues may want to consult their dentist before any treatments as some anticoagulants and antibiotics prescribed by dentists may not be cooperative with heart health medications.
