Few people (if any) clap their hands in excitement at the idea of visiting their dentist. But keeping your mouth healthy isn’t just important for your teeth and gums — it’s important for your heart health, too.
Understanding the link between your oral health and your cardiovascular health underscores the importance of those dental visits, including scheduling an evaluation at the first sign of trouble. In recognition of American Heart Month, the team at Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC reviews the link between oral health and cardiovascular problems, so you can have the information you need to ward off problems.
Your mouth is home to billions of bacteria and other tiny germs — in fact, there are about 700 different types of germs in your mouth right now. This population of tiny germs is known as your oral microbiome.
Many of these bacteria perform important and helpful roles in regulating your oral microbiome and maintaining health. Other germs are more harmful, increasing your risks of cavities, gum disease, and other infections and health issues, like heart disease.
These risks increase when the bacteria inside your mouth “escape” and enter other parts of your body. For instance, studies show simply breathing in bacteria that are in your mouth can increase your risk of respiratory infections like pneumonia, particularly if you have a weak immune system already.
Other health problems — like heart issues — happen when bacteria from your mouth enter your bloodstream through swollen gums, cavities, or deep infections called abscesses. Once in your bloodstream, bacteria are free to migrate anywhere, and research shows they seem to have an affinity for the cardiovascular system.
Scientists aren’t just guessing that oral bacteria can harm your heart. There’s a lot of research that shows the connection. One of the most alarming results: Researchers have found oral bacteria linked to gum disease present in arterial plaques, suggesting these bacteria play a role in arterial plaque buildup, a major driver for coronary artery disease and heart attacks. More recent research suggests a link between these bacteria and atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder.
Oral infections also trigger inflammation, not just in your mouth but in other parts of your body, too, including your cardiovascular system. In turn, ongoing inflammation damages blood vessels, making it easier for plaques to “stick” to vessel walls. Chronic inflammation can also take a toll on heart health and function over time.
Even mild infections can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream. Simple activities like brushing or even chewing when your gums are inflamed provide ample opportunity to introduce bacteria into your vascular system. On the flip side, treating gum disease, abscesses, and cavities reduces populations of harmful bacteria while “closing” tiny openings that let bacteria into your bloodstream.
Your oral health is an essential part of your overall wellness, and American Heart Month is a great reminder to prioritize both. If you have tooth discomfort, gum swelling, or any other unusual symptoms, don’t ignore them. Call 929-229-0255 or book an appointment online at Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC in New York City today.
