Research over the years has emphasized that oral health reflects overall health. Tooth decay, gum inflammation, bad breath, and other mouth diseases may eventually impact other body systems, including cardiovascular health.
How are Heart Disease and Oral Health Connected?
When bacteria infect the gums and teeth, and remain unchecked and unmanaged for a long time, they may travel in the body and trigger inflammation in the heart's vessels and infection in valves. The effects include damage to the heart valves, the lining of the heart, its outer membrane, or the heart muscle itself. For example, a 2021-study showed that periodontitis increases the susceptibility to coronary heart disease (CHD), and the number of teeth removed is positively correlated with the risk of CHD. Another study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions found that brushing once a day or less than two minutes multiplies the risk for heart disease three-fold. More research is underway to establish a direct link between dental health and heart diseases. However, many scientific studies support a potential connection between oral health and the onset or worsening of heart diseases. According to the American Heart Association, inflammation caused by oral bacteria has also been linked to cardiovascular conditions such as stroke and atherosclerosis (clogged arteries).
What Are the Signs of Poor Oral Health?
The common signs of deteriorating oral health include:
- Chronic tooth pain
- Loose or chipped tooth
- Abscess formation in the gums
- Redness, bleeding, and swelling in gums
- Change in texture or color of the tongue
- Lesions, patches, or sores that do not heal within 5-7 days
- Receding gumline
- Yellow or greyish film on teeth
- Bad breath (Halitosis)
- Pain in the jaw
Consult a dentist if any of the symptoms mentioned above persist or recur.
Does Heart Health Affect Oral Health?
Yes, significantly! People suffering from heart disease need to be extra cautious about their oral health. Oral bacteria are likely to aggravate cardiovascular issues. Moreover, taking blood-thinning medications after a heart attack puts you at the risk of excessive bleeding during oral surgery. Similarly, some drugs for treating hypertension can alter your sense of taste and cause dry mouth. Calcium channel blockers may cause gum overgrowth, leading to difficulty chewing. Your cardiologist will share oral hygiene instructions and recommend visiting a dentist to prevent or treat such problems.
Steps To Prevent Oral Health Problems
Preventing gum problems, tooth decay, and heart diseases is simple. However, it requires consistency and correct techniques. Sure! You must be brushing your teeth twice every day. But, do you hold and move the brush at the right angles? Do you brush for two minutes? And what about flossing? These factors are the key to maintaining good oral health. You should never miss the following steps to achieve optimal dental health.
- Brush and floss twice a day
- Hold the toothbrush at a 45 degrees angle
- Rinse your mouth after every meal and sugary/acidic drink
- Clean your tongue
- Limit the intake of foods high in sugar
- Stop smoking and drink moderately
- Use fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash
- Visit your dentist regularly