Why Good Oral Health Is Necessary For A Healthy Heart

As you age, you are more prone to chronic diseases and health conditions, including poor oral health, that can severely impact your quality of life. Problems related to oral health tend to start occurring in adult life and increasingly worsen with age if not addressed properly. Poor oral health is considered to be a cause of high levels of inflammation and is associated with an increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

What you need to know:

Symptoms of poor oral health
How does oral health affect your heart?

Symptoms of poor oral health

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Symptoms of a lot of gum diseases don’t show until the advanced stages. That’s why it’s crucial to get periodic checkups, especially if you are concerned about heart disease. Noticeable warning signs that call for an immediate visit to the dentist include:

Loose or separated teeth
Swollen, tender, or red gums
Receding gums
Bleeding when you brush, floss, or eat hard foods
Persistent bad breath

Oral bacteria can cause inflammation and other adverse effects by entering your bloodstream. It especially becomes a huge cause for concern if you are trying to manage a heart condition. These bacteria can cause health deterioration or put you off track when managing your condition.

How does oral health affect your heart?

The connection between oral health and heart disease is an ongoing study in medical research that is of huge importance. Here’s a detailed look at how the two are related:

Inflammation causing deterioration

Gum diseases such as gingivitis or periodontitis, are chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Inflammation from gum diseases can spread to the rest of the body, including the heart. Chronic inflammation is a common risk factor for heart disease because it can lead to the buildup of plaques in the arteries, known as atherosclerosis, which can eventually lead to heart attacks.

Bacterial spread and heart disease

The bacteria causing gum disease can enter the bloodstream through bleeding gums. Once in the bloodstream, these bacteria can become responsible for the formation of arterial plaques or trigger an inflammatory response that accelerates heart disease.

Impact on other conditions affecting heart health

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Poor oral health is often associated with many other systemic conditions, diabetes being one. Diabetes increases your risk of developing heart disease. Therefore, managing oral health is also a way to manage diabetes and reduce its impact on cardiovascular health.

Other risk factors impacting your heart

Factors like poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking can contribute to both gum diseases and heart diseases. Addressing these common risk factors can help improve both oral and cardiovascular health.

Studies have shown that people with gum disease are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to those with healthy gums. While more studies are being done to detect the exact mechanisms, a strong association has been found between maintaining good oral hygiene and having a healthy lifestyle supporting your cardiovascular health.

In summary, taking care of your oral health through regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits can not only prevent gum diseases but also their potential impact on your heart health. Good oral hygiene plays an important role in a comprehensive approach to overall health and well-being.

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