Oral Health and Heart Connection

Studies show that oral health and heart health are connected. People with gum diseases have poor heart health, while those with healthy gums have good heart health. Oral health symptoms can say a lot about your heart health. Are you trying to figure out how both of them are related? Keep reading to learn more!

How Does Poor Oral Health Affect the Heart?

It might sound absurd to many, but the bacteria residing in your mouth can easily affect your heart through the bloodstream. On reaching the heart, these germs cause inflammation. Prolonged inflammation can cause infection in the inner lining of your heart. This disease is known as endocarditis and is fatal if not cured on time. Other heart disorders related to your oral health are stroke and atherosclerosis. These are also caused due to the inflammation caused by the germs.

Are You at Risk?

If you have been suffering from gingivitis or periodontal disease for a long time, then yes, you are at risk of suffering from heart disorders. However, the risk can be greatly reduced if you get treated on time. It is seen that people who visit the dentist regularly have a much lower risk of suffering from heart disorders. It is because, during these checkups, the dentist cleans your teeth and gums properly. When you have a clean mouth, the germs cannot travel to the heart and pose zero risks.

Symptoms to Look For

Some oral health infection symptoms that you need to look for are:

• Red, swollen and sore gums
• Bleeding gums on brushing, flossing, and eating
• Pus around teeth and gums
• Gums pulling away from the teeth
• Bad breath and dry mouth
• Your teeth feel loose

How to Prevent Oral Infections?

Some tips that you must follow in your regular life to keep away from oral health infections:

• Brush twice a day
• Make sure you brush for at least two minutes
• Never skip flossing even if you are busy
• Use a mouthwash to rinse your mouth after every meal
• Use fluoride-based toothpaste and mouthwash
• Take fluoride supplements if prescribed by the doctor
• Change your toothbrush after every three months

Besides following all of the tips mentioned above, make sure you go for regular dental checkups. Visiting the dentist once a month is a great idea. It will help you maintain good oral health throughout and give you a bright smile forever. 

East burn Dentistry and Implants provides advanced oral health care services by Dr. Daniel Lee. Call us at 503 2334871 or visit our website for more details. We are located at 1415 SE Ankeny St, Portland, OR 97214.