Everyone should want a healthy heart because it is “the engine of life.” But here’s a scary fact: heart disease is the leading cause of death around the world. According to the American Heart Association, someone in the United States dies of a heart attack every 39 seconds. When considering ways to maintain a healthy heart, it is essential to recognize the connection between oral health and heart disease.
The Heart’s Critical Role
The heart is the body’s central pump. It delivers oxygen and nutrients to all organs and tissues in the body. If the heart isn’t healthy, the body can’t function properly. Taking care of one’s heart can prevent many serious health problems. The bigger picture is that oral health and heart disease are linked, so when you take care of your oral health, you are also taking care of your heart.
The Link Between Oral Health and Heart Disease
Medical research has established a clear link between oral health and heart disease. Like other areas of the body, the mouth is full of mostly harmless germs. Most often, the body’s natural defenses and good oral care keep germs under control. However, germs, oral swelling, and irritation, called inflammation, are linked to a severe form of gum disease called periodontitis. If left untreated, cavities and oral infections can lead to inflammation and infections in other parts of the body.
These conditions are linked to oral health:
- Endocarditis. An infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers or valves. This can happen when germs from other parts of the body, including the mouth, spread through the blood and attach to areas in the heart.
- Cardiovascular disease. Inflammation and infections caused by oral germs are linked to heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke.
- Pregnancy and birth complications. Gum disease has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
- Pneumonia. Germs in the mouth can go into the lungs, causing pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
- Conversely, certain health conditions can affect oral health. These include:
- Diabetes. This makes the body less able to fight infections, thus putting the gums at risk.
- HIV/AIDS. Oral problems are common in people who have HIV/AIDS.
- Cancer. Some cancers have been linked to gum disease.
- Alzheimer’s disease. As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, oral problems tend to get worse.
How a Dentist Can Help You Have Better Overall Health
Because oral health and heart disease are linked, a dentist can provide whole-body dental care that will help you have better overall health.
Dental care is a preventative health care that starts with regular checkups to identify potential issues like cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer in their early stages. A dentist will provide professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup. Professional dental care can include fluoride treatments, sealing applications, and oral hygiene education. Dentists can repair cavities with fillings, provide treatments to manage and control gum disease, and conduct other restorative procedures like root canals, crowns, and bridges.
Seek Professional Dental Care
Contact Old Mt. Pleasant Dentistry, located right off Ben Sawyer Blvd. in Mt. Pleasant, S.C., for dental care you can trust. We use practical treatment plans and the most advanced technology. We offer caring routine dental care and procedures, including extractions and root canals. To us, the patient is the most important person in the office.