The Surprising Connection Between Oral Health and Heart Disease

When most people think about brushing and flossing, they think about things like preventing cavities, bad breath and having a nice-looking smile. But did you know your oral health may also affect your heart?

Here at KN Dentistry, we believe prevention goes beyond your smile. Research continues to show a strong connection between oral health conditions like gum disease and cardiovascular issues. Understanding this link can help you protect both your smile and your heart.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It usually begins with plaque and food waste building up along your gum line and is the number one cause of tooth loss. There are two main stages:

• Gingivitis: Early-stage gum inflammation that may cause redness, swelling, and bleeding.
• Periodontitis: Advanced infection that can damage bone and lead to tooth loss.

Gum disease is often painless in its early stages, which makes regular dental checkups essential for early detection.

Understanding Heart Disease

Heart disease refers to a range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. One of the most common forms is coronary artery disease, which occurs when arteries become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup. This can lead to:

• High blood pressure
• Heart attacks
• Strokes

Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death, making prevention and risk management important for all of us.

How Are Oral Health and Heart Disease Connected?

Scientists have identified links between gum disease and cardiovascularproblems:

1.     Inflammation: Gum disease causes chronic inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation plays a major role in the development of arterial plaque and heart disease.

2.     Bacteria in the Bloodstream: Bacteria from gum disease and other oral infections can enter the bloodstream when you swallow or through the soft tissues of your mouth. These bacteria may attach to blood vessels and contribute to clot formation and narrowing of the arteries.

Both inflammation and bacteria in the blood stream have been linked to other medical conditions as well, including diabetes, cancer and autoimmune diseases.

‍So, How Do You Protect Your Health and Smile?

Daily habits make a big difference:

• Brush thoroughly twice daily with toothpaste
• Floss every day
• Use an antimicrobial mouth rinse if recommended
• Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• Avoid tobacco products
• Stay current with dental cleanings, checkups and recommended treatments

While gum disease is often invisible, we encourage you to keep an eye out for bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, swollen, tender or receding gums and loose teeth. If you notice any of these symptoms, call and schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible.  

And keep in mind that recommended dental exam and cleaning intervals can be every 6 months, but mostly for people with good oral health. Many of you need to come in more often. If you haven’t seen a dentist in at least 6 months, you can be sure you are overdue for a visit.

Give us a call if it has been awhile since your last checkup. We are here to help you protect your smile and your heart for years to come.

KN Dentistry – Orange, CA – (714) 633-2562

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