Healthy Mouth, Healthy Heart

The Surprising Connection Between Oral Health and Heart Health

We all know that maintaining our health is essential, but let’s be honest—it’s often easier said than done. Health and hygiene routines require daily time and effort. Wouldn’t it be great if you could improve your overall well-being by doing less?

As it turns out, when it comes to oral and heart health, you can! Taking care of one directly benefits the other. Count that as one less thing on your daily to-do list. Dr. Agee Kunjumon at Touchstone Dentistry explains how oral health and heart health are closely connected.

How Your Mouth Affects Your Heart

Research has uncovered several ways that your oral health is directly linked to your heart health. Here’s what we know for sure:

• Gum Disease Increases Heart Disease Risk – If you have gum disease, your risk of heart disease and stroke is higher. Gum disease is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation, which, when chronic, can harm your overall health. Harmful bacteria from your mouth can enter your bloodstream, leading to inflammation in your blood vessels and potentially contributing to heart problems.
• Signs of Gum Disease – Red, swollen, bleeding, or receding gums may indicate gum disease. Treating it can help lower inflammation throughout your body. If you notice these symptoms, see your Dickinson dentist as soon as possible.
• Plaque Buildup May Indicate Artery Blockage – If you have excessive plaque on your teeth, it may signal similar buildup in your arteries—a serious health risk. Medical professionals even use oral bacteria samples to assess overall health conditions.
• Heart Conditions Affect Dental Treatment – If you have a history of pacemakers, blood thinners, antibiotics, heart attacks, or strokes, inform your dentist before undergoing any cleaning or treatment.

The Big Picture

Medical professionals continue to study the relationship between oral health and heart health. While gum disease hasn’t been proven to directly cause heart disease, their close association is undeniable.

Your mouth might seem distant from your heart, but because it contains many blood vessels, bacteria can quickly travel from your mouth to the rest of your body. Prioritizing dental care lays the foundation for overall wellness.

The Role of Diet in Oral and Heart Health

A well-balanced diet plays a significant role in both oral and heart health. Diets high in fat, sugar, salt, and acids can negatively impact both. To promote overall wellness, focus on unprocessed, nutrient-rich foods that prevent disease and support longevity.

Protect Your Heart by Caring for Your Smile

According to the American Dental Association, the best ways to maintain oral health include:

• Brushing your teeth twice daily
• Flossing or cleaning between your teeth once a day
• Eating a balanced diet with minimal snacking
• Visiting a dental professional regularly

Take the Next Step Toward Better Health

If you’re serious about improving your oral and heart health, schedule an appointment at Touchstone Dentistry in Dickinson today. We’re here to support your journey to a healthier, happier you!

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.