A Healthy Heart Starts with Healthy Teeth

For most people, February is when winter gives way to spring. After all, it features the seasonal prediction of Groundhog Day and the romantic warmth of Valentine’s Day. However, February has another name, too – American Heart Month! These twenty-eight days are thus a time for focusing on heart health. Luckily, your local dentist can help you celebrate the occasion. To that end, here’s how bad teeth hurt your heart, which patients are at risk, and the oral tips that’ll make you heart-healthy.

How Bad Teeth Hurt Your Heart

You might think your mouth and your heart have no connection. The truth, though, is that the healthiness of the former impacts the latter.

You see, mouth bacteria can spread to other body parts through the bloodstream. One such part is the heart, where germs can attach themselves and cause inflammation. This bacterial spread can then cause various kinds of heart disease – infection of the heart’s inner lining, heart attacks, clogged arteries, etc.

Who’s Most at Risk?

Among dental patients, those with gum disease have the greatest risk of heart issues. The danger rises further if the former condition is undiagnosed and unmanaged.

Current research shows that gum infection bacteria can enter the bloodstream. From there, it may attach to blood vessels and elevate C-reactive protein levels. These actions, in turn, will inflame the vessels and lead to higher odds of heart disease.

Dental Tips for a Healthy Heart

Fortunately, you can minimize heart disease risk by keeping a healthy mouth. As such, remember to practice the following tips:

• Maintain Oral Hygiene – Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes, all while paying attention to your gumline. Furthermore, try to floss once daily to help prevent gum disease.
• See Your Dentist Often – Dentists suggest that you get routine checkups and cleanings twice yearly. That way, they can diagnose and treat problems related to other health issues.
• Avoid Bad Oral Habits – To the extent possible, don’t use tobacco products like cigarettes, cigars, etc. Not only do they make your smile grimy and yellow, but they also cause gum disease that affects your heart.
• Know your Risk – In truth, your risk of gum disease is influenced by age, diet, and genetics. Therefore, talk to your dentist if there are specific risk factors you know about.

Ultimately, your heart health will soar if you keep your teeth and gums in shape. Therefore, follow the tips above, so your ticker stays strong this month!

About the Practice

Third Street Dental is based in Columbus, OH. Led by Drs. Buck, Patel, and Hamza, our practice gives patients of all ages the dental care they need. To that end, we offer a wide variety of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments, as well as emergency smile procedures. Our office also provides effective periodontal therapy and Invisalign clear aligners. For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (614)-228-4850.