When most people think about heart disease, they picture high blood pressure or cholesterol levels. But growing research shows that your oral health and your heart are more connected than you may expect. What’s happening in your mouth may offer early clues about what’s happening throughout the rest of your body. Here are a few ways that heart disease and dentistry are connected.

The Connection

The bacteria that cause gum disease can travel from your mouth into your bloodstream. There, the bacteria can cause inflammation and harm your blood vessels. When these bacteria build up in your gums, they can negatively impact your oral health by creating ongoing inflammation that can affect other parts of your body, including your heart. If you already have heart disease, you are at higher risk of developing endocarditis, an inflammation of the lining of your heart valves that is caused by a bacterial infection you can contract from infected teeth.

Potential Risk Factors

Certain factors increase the likelihood of both gum disease and heart disease, including:

• Diabetes
• A family history of heart disease or stroke
• A family history of periodontitis or early tooth loss
• Clogged arteries, or atherosclerosis
• High blood pressure
• Autoimmune or inflammatory conditions
• A history of smoking, alcohol, or drug abuse

We recommend seeking patient-first care directly with your primary care physician and dentist to ensure that your heart and oral health are well-maintained and stay healthy.

How to Protect Your Oral Health

Taking care of your mouth is an important part of protecting your overall health, including your heart. Here’s how:

• Brush and floss daily: Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day help reduce gum inflammation and harmful bacteria.
• Attend your regular dental visits: Professional cleanings and exams help catch issues early and keep your gums healthy. Your dentist and hygienist may recommend a “deep cleaning” if there are signs of periodontal disease.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet: Focus on whole foods, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.
• Avoid activities like smoking and drinking to excess: Smoking and drinking significantly increase the risk of both gum and heart disease.
• Manage chronic conditions: Keeping diabetes, blood pressure, and other health conditions under control helps lower inflammation.

How MCDC Can Support Your Health

At My Community Dental Centers (MCDC), we’re more than a place you visit every six months, we’re your partner in lifelong oral health. Whether you’re here for a routine cleaning or taking steps toward preventing heart disease, our team is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. We know that visiting the dentist can be anxiety-inducing, but there are many ways we can help you to not be fearful, and there is so much benefit to having regular dental care.

From emergency and restorative services to preventive and cosmetic care, our fully equipped team uses a patient-first care approach and state-of-the-art technology to help you feel confident in your smile and empowered in your overall health, including your heart health. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a long-time patient, MCDC is here to ensure you feel your best.

Schedule your next visit with MCDC and keep your smile healthy, strong, and ready for everything ahead.