The heart and mouth connection:
How heart disease and oral health link

It’s common knowledge that heart disease, which will claim an estimated 2.4 million lives this year, is America’s number one killer. But did you know that heart disease and oral health are linked?

There are two different connections between heart disease and your oral health:

1. Chronic gum disease can lead to the development of heart disease.
   
2. Oral health holds clues to overall health. New studies show that oral health can provide warning signs for other diseases or conditions, including heart disease. If your dentist knows you have heart disease or can identify the condition through an oral symptom, he or she can work with you to reduce risk and guide you in seeking treatment.

Link #1: How gum disease increases risk of heart attacks
Because the mouth is a pathway to the body, people who have chronic gum disease are at a higher risk for heart attack, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Gum disease (called gingivitis in its early stages and periodontal disease in the late stages) is caused by plaque buildup. Bacteria from infected gums can dislodge, enter the bloodstream, attach to blood vessels and increase clot formation. Clots decrease blood flow to the heart, thereby causing an elevation in blood pressure and increasing the risk of a heart attack.

Gum disease affects 80 percent of American adults, according to the AGD. Signs include bleeding or swollen gums, bad breath, sores in the mouth and receding gums, among other symptoms. You can prevent plaque buildup — minimizing your chance for developing gum disease — by brushing and flossing and visiting your dentist regularly.

Link #2: How oral health warns about heart disease
More than 90 percent of all systemic diseases — including heart disease — have oral symptoms, recent research suggests. A sore or painful jaw, for example, could indicate an impending heart attack or heart disease.

In fact, periodontal (gum) disease is considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease along with smoking, high cholesterol and hypertension, says the AGD. Patients should visit a dentist regularly so that the disease can be diagnosed and treated early.

Dentists also can help patients with a history of heart disease by examining them for any signs of oral pain, infection or inflammation. According to the AGD, proper diagnosis and treatment of tooth and gum infections in some of these patients have led to a decrease in blood pressure medications and improved overall health.

If you have heart disease …

• Establish and maintain a healthy mouth. This means brushing and flossing daily and visiting your dentist regularly.
  
• Make sure your dentist knows you have a heart problem and share your complete medical history, including any medications you are currently taking.
  
• Carefully follow your physician’s and dentist’s instructions about health care, including using prescription medications, such as antibiotics, as directed.

Additional resources: Gum disease