Maintaining oral health is about more than having a great smile. It can also significantly affect heart health. Understanding how dental care and heart disease are connected can help you understand the importance of good oral hygiene.
Your mouth and body are closely connected, and problems in one area can impact the other.
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, begins as a bacterial infection in the gums. Left untreated, it can cause inflammation that may lead to heart disease. Chronic inflammation from gum disease doesn't just stay in the mouth; it can spread throughout the body and affect the cardiovascular system.
Additionally, gum disease allows bacteria to enter your bloodstream. Once there, these bacteria can travel to the heart and contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
If you have artificial heart valves, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is critical. Bacteria from untreated gum disease or poor dental care can reach these valves, potentially causing endocarditis, a severe infection that can lead to heart failure. Regular dental checkups and cleanings can reduce this risk.
Gum disease directly impacts the heart and can worsen high blood pressure. Research shows that untreated gum disease can interfere with medications designed to control blood pressure, making it harder to manage the condition. This connection emphasizes why oral care should be a part of your overall health routine.
Brushing twice and flossing once daily are essential to protecting oral and heart health. However, these habits must be combined with regular visits to the dental chair.
If you have concerns about heart disease, contact Pinnacle Dental in Grove City to schedule an appointment. Our goal is to keep your mouth healthy and keep gum disease, plaque and bacteria that can affect your heart in check.
