When you brush and floss your teeth, you’re not just preventing gum disease and tooth decay—good oral hygiene can help to keep other body parts healthy as well.
For example, staving off severe gum disease could benefit your sexual health; A recent study done in Taiwan showed a possible link between erectile dysfunction and periodontal disease.
Good oral health can also help to keep your heart healthy.
The connection between oral health and heart health
Oral health and heart health are more connected than you may think. If you’re not brushing your teeth well enough, excess bacteria from your mouth could spread through your bloodstream to other parts of your body, including your heart.
Bacteria that ends up in the heart can cause inflammation, especially if it latches on to any compromised areas. That, in turn, could lead to a condition known as endocarditis, which is when the heart’s inner lining becomes inflamed.
“Chronic inflammation from gum infections and inflammation is associated with an increase in total body inflammation, which in turn is associated with vascular diseases including coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease and stroke,” says Dr. John Higgins, a cardiologist with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.
Dr. Sally Cram, of the American Dental Association, adds that poor dental hygiene can also affect a person’s ability to eat a heart healthy diet.
Can bad teeth cause heart problems?
While more research is needed, poor oral health care habits are linked to a higher risk of heart disease, according to the Mayo Clinic.
“Poor oral hygiene will lead to a buildup of calculus, causing your gums to inflame,” says Dr. Jasmine Sung, a general dentist in private practice in Houston.
And this can then raise the risk of a bacterial infection developing in the bloodstream. Bacteria can also prompt inflammation markers to rise, prompting more widespread inflammation across the body, including in the heart.
What’s more, certain patterns of tooth loss are also linked to coronary artery disease.
“Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease which has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, pulmonary disease, and diabetes,” says Higgins.
Will taking care of my teeth prevent heart disease?
Maintaining good oral hygiene by regularly brushing and flossing isn’t a guaranteed way to prevent heart disease from developing, but it can’t hurt.
In fact, new, observational research on people’s toothbrushing behavior suggests that brushing your teeth two times a day for at least two minutes could lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. A separate study found that gum disease seems to interfere with hypertension medications and cause blood pressure to deteriorate.
“Anything that reduces inflammation in your body, such as good oral hygiene habits and regular dental checkups, may be beneficial in reducing your risk of heart disease,” says Cram.
Who is at risk?
People who have serious periodontal disease or persistent problems impacting their gums such as gingivitis, irritation, redness and swelling of the gums, are most at risk of having their dental problems impact their heart health.
This is especially true if you have an oral health issue that has not been addressed by a doctor. The bacteria causing inflammation in your mouth could travel through your bloodstream, sticking to your blood vessels and raising the risk of heart disease.
Symptoms and warning signs
If periodontitis, a gum infection that damages the soft tissue in the mouth, is not properly treated, it could even destroy the bone that holds the teeth in place.
Some of the common symptoms and warning signs of oral diseases such as periodontitis, include gums that are swollen, puffy, bright red or purple. Normal, healthy gums are typically pale pink and they’re somewhat tight around the teeth.
Other warning signs of gum disease include gums that hurt when you touch them or that bleed easily, pain when chewing your food or persistent bad breath. Some people can also experience:
- Blood in their saliva when brushing or flossing
- Pus between the gums and teeth
- Tooth loss or loose teeth
- Space in between their teeth
- Receding gums
- A shift in how the teeth fit together when biting down
Preventative measures
For people who are at risk of developing heart health issues and related complications from poor oral hygiene—plus the general public—there are plenty of preventative measures to take to help ensure good oral and heart health.
1) Practice good oral hygiene. Brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. Some people brush more often, after every meal. Brush for at least two minutes during each brushing session to ensure you’re adequately removing plaque. The ADA recommends toothpastes with fluoride.
2) Regularly go to the dentist. The American Dental Association recommends people see a dentist twice a year for exams and regular professional cleanings. Regular cleanings at a dentist’s office can help with removing plaque, prevent cavities and keep your gums healthy.
3) Stay in touch with your primary care provider. At an annual wellness check-up or other periodic check-ins, your primary care doctor can perform tests to make sure your heart is healthy and working efficiently. It’s especially important to keep up with annual exams if conditions like heart disease runs in your family or you’re otherwise predisposed to heart issues due to a chronic condition or your lifestyle. Your doctor can help you take steps to lower your risk.
To avoid cavities and gum disease, Higgins also says to exercise, avoid smoking and try not to eat too many sweets to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
“We need more studies to better clarify cause and effect, and perhaps other new strategies,” he says. “But the association is real between good teeth and healthy hearts, so keep your mouth fresh.”