Your heart is in the spotlight for two reasons this month. The first is the celebration of love on Valentine’s Day, the second is Heart Health Month. Everything in your body is connected, so it’s important to know that poor oral health can cause problems for your heart. Read on to learn about the connection scientists have found between gum health and heart health and what you can do to minimize your risk of heart troubles.
The Connection Between Gum Health and Heart Health
An abscess is the result of infectious bacteria making its way into your tooth. It can form on the gums to the side of your tooth or at the tip of your tooth’s root. Another common dental infection is gum disease, which causes the gums to swell, bleed and pull away from the teeth. Studies have found that oral bacteria from infections like abscesses and gum has the ability to enter your blood. If your body absorbs the bacteria that is found in an abscess or gum disease, it can use the bloodstream to enter the heart or other vital organs and spread infection.
Issues That Poor Oral Health Can Cause
A strain of bacteria that is commonly found in dental infection called streptococcus sanguis has been linked to coronary heart disease, strokes and infective endocarditis. Dental infection can cause the blood to clot, which can easily lead to a stroke. Oral bacteria can also cause infective endocarditis, which is an infection in the heart valves or the lining of the endocardium, or interior surfaces of the heart. Studies have found that a tooth infection can make you 2.7 times more likely to develop heart disease, a condition where cholesterol deposits build up in the arteries, gradually reducing the ability for blood to flow properly.
You Can Reduce Your Risk
These heart issues can be very scary, but luckily, there are ways that you can reduce your risk of developing them. First things first, stop using nicotine. It slows the flow of blood to your gums, minimizing your body’s ability to fight off infection. Another way to reduce your risk is to practice a proper dental care routine. This means flossing your teeth at least once per day (twice is better) and brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes.
Your oral health can affect your overall health. While you can’t completely protect your heart health with a healthy smile, it’s definitely a great start!
About the Practice
The team of dentists at MoreSMILES Dental Spa take time to get to know every patient who enters their practice doors in order to provide them with personalized, world-class dental care. Dr. James Moreau, Jr. has been transforming smiles for more than 40 years and takes pride in helping his patients finally have the beautiful smiles they’ve always wanted. Dr. Shannon Doyle’s dental career spans well over a decade and loves helping her patients achieve the healthy, beautiful teeth they deserve. Dr. Israel Finger helps patients restore their smiles with high-quality prosthetics and dental restorations. This team offers a wide range of services to take care of your dental needs. If you’re ready to get your dental health on track, contact the office at 361-643-7811 or visit the website to schedule your appointment.