Oral Health and Heart Disease

You might think the mouth and heart don’t have much in common. But increasing evidence suggests they may be closely linked. Oral health and heart disease are related. Maintaining optimal oral health is something all individuals can do to help reduce their risk of heart disease.

Researchers suspect that bacteria present in gum disease can travel throughout the body, triggering inflammation in the heart’s vessels and infection in heart valves.

Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death for both men and women. Dentists at Dental Works Clinic always emphasize maintaining good oral health and actively take the initiative to spread awareness about oral health and to encourage everyone to make heart-friendly choices.

Research points to a link between gum disease and inflammation that can precede heart attacks, strokes, and sudden vascular events. For the time being, the exact nature of the cause-and-effect relationship is unclear.

“Inflammation can be linked to many different reasons and sources. That’s why it’s hard to definitively prove it’s just one thing. For people with heart disease of blood vessels, inflammation caused by gum disease can add to that process.

How is Oral Health Linked to Heart Health?

Practicing poor oral hygiene and neglecting to manage serious oral conditions, such as gum disease and periodontal disease, leaves the mouth vulnerable to bacteria. The bacteria can migrate into the bloodstream via open sores inside the mouth and carry to the heart. The spread of oral bacteria throughout the vascular system can cause inflammation of blood vessels and increase the likelihood of experiencing a stroke or cardiac arrest.

What You Can Do to Improve Your Oral Health

• Visit your dental practitioner at least twice a year (more frequent visits may be necessary for smokers, diabetics, and those with oral diseases)
• Quit all tobacco use
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush

Everybody’s oral condition is different, so please schedule your dental exam appointment with Dental Works Clinic and get the best dental treatment.

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