You might be surprised to learn that the health of your teeth and gums can affect the rest of your body and vice versa. Such a connection has long been speculated between oral health and heart disease.

While research in this area is ongoing, studies suggests a link between the health of our mouths and the health of our hearts. A review published in the Journal of Periodontology found that gum disease is a risk factor for coronary heart disease and that people with gum disease and fewer teeth have a higher risk of stroke.¹ Another study reported by the American Heart Association found that people with healthier gums respond better to blood pressure treatment.²

The link between gum disease and heart disease is largely due to the existence of plaque in both conditions, but it’s hard to say if plaque on teeth causes plaque in arteries or if it’s the other way around. In both cases, inflammation results from plaque.³ This can cause the heart arteries to harden and the gums to become infected.

Keeping your mouth healthy is of the utmost importance for your smile and your heart.⁴ Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time using fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once a day. In addition, make sure you schedule regular dental exams. And if you do have health conditions affecting your heart, we recommend discussing them with your dentist at the beginning of your next appointment.⁵

By maintaining good oral health habits, you do more than just protect your smile – you may also contribute to the health of your heart.

¹ https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/healthy-teeth-healthy-heart#1
² https://newsroom.heart.org/news/poor-oral-health-linked-to-higher-blood-pressure-worse-blood-pressure-control
³ https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/healthy-teeth-healthy-heart#1
⁴ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11264-oral-health–risk-for-cv-disease
⁵ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11264-oral-health–risk-for-cv-disease