Oral Health Prevents Heart Attacks

Improved oral health helps to prevent heart attacks. Information about the link between bad teeth/gums and heart disease.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is considered the leading cause of death all over the world.

However, heart disease is not altogether unavoidable; having a healthy lifestyle can play an essential role in promoting your heart health.

These factors can significantly enhance the quality of your life and are beneficial for your heart:

  • Having a healthy and balanced diet
  • Avoiding smoking
  • Getting enough sleep
  • Being bodily active
  • Staying away from stress

But there is one more factor worth mentioning here that can help you prevent heart disease and heart attacks and improve your overall wellbeing.

Proper oral health and regular dental checkups!

That’s right!

Let us walk you through this claim.

Is There A Connection Between Oral Health And Heart Health?

My Teeth and My Heart?

The clear connection between good oral health and preventing cardiovascular disease has been the subject of debate for many years.

Further research is required to confirm the clear connection between teeth and the heart. However, some research suggests that people with poor oral health seem to have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

But How?

Optimize your oral health and prevent heart attack

How Are Your Mouth and Heart Connected?

Can Good Dental Care Prevent Heart Disease?

Believe it or not, a healthy mouth can do your overall health a favour. Poor oral health and not regularly brushing and flossing your teeth can cause plaque buildup on and around your teeth and gums.

Dental Plaque contains bacteria and, if not removed from the surface of your tooth, can negatively affect your dental health and lead to other issues.

Plaque accumulation on your teeth and gums can eventually lead to a severe oral health problem called periodontal disease or gum disease.

Gum Disease

“Inflammation of the gums.”

Periodontal disease or gum disease causes your gums to become swollen, inflamed, and red at its early stage, called gingivitis and is caused by a bacterial infection.

Gingivitis will lead to a more severe condition referred to as periodontitis if left untreated. Periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and destruction of the soft tissue and the bone that supports the tooth if not addressed.

Teeth and Heart Link

The infection from untreated gum disease may enter the bloodstream, travel to the rest of the body, including your heart, and lead to blood clots and inflammation of the inner lining of your heart.

  • The condition can put your life in danger by increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
  • It’s particularly crucial to watch your oral health and follow a healthy lifestyle if you have artificial heart valves.
  • Some other studies suggest that harmful oral bacteria caused by periodontal disease may cause inflammation in your bloodstream and weaken the heart’s response to inflammatory attacks.

The Link Between Poor Oral Health And Other Health Issues

According to some research, people who do not maintain proper dental hygiene may have a greater risk of heart disease and heart attacks. These people may also have a higher risk of health issues like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, dementia, and pregnancy complications.

Would you like to learn more about diabetes and gum disease?

Here’s the link: Gum disease and diabetes

How To Improve My Oral Health

Now you know enough about the importance and connection of dental hygiene and its benefits for your overall health. Let’s see what we can do to create a healthier mouth and body.

Make sure you brush your teeth twice daily using fluoride toothpaste.

Clean your tongue every time you brush to reduce the harmful oral bacteria in your mouth.

Flossing is also essential to remove the remnants of the food particles between your teeth.

Be aware of the symptoms of oral health issues and seek treatment as soon as you notice them.

Visit your dentist if:

  • you notice your gums are swollen, tender, or darker than before
  • your tooth has become loose
  • you are experiencing persistent bad breath
  • your gums bleed while brushing or flossing

Maintain healthy diets and avoid eating too many sugary foods and drinks. Diets rich in sugar and starch increase your risk of cavities, decay, and gum disease.

Smoking is considered a contributing factor in periodontal disease. Smoking may also increase the risk of plaque formation in your blood vessels.

Quit smoking to prevent heart disease and gum disease.

Visit your dentist for routine dental examinations and cleanings to keep harmful oral bacteria away from your tooth and gums.

According to the ADA, everyone should schedule dental checkups with a dentist every six months to ensure dental health.

Rinsing your mouth with an antimicrobial mouthwash can also help reduce plaque buildup.

Pure Dentistry

Pure Dentistry is a professional dental clinic in Brisbane offering various dental procedures for different age groups. Don’t worry about the costs of your dental work; we offer different interest-free payment plans.

Please call us today to book an appointment or consultation if you need dental care or a dental checkup.

Here’s our phone number: 0733434869

Located In: The Village Upper Mount Gravatt

Address: 11/1932-1974 Logan Rd, Upper Mount Gravatt QLD 4122, Australia