How Does Gum Disease Affect Your Heart?

The month of February is often associated with the color red, from bouquets of roses to heart-shaped boxes of chocolate. One red thing that we don’t often think of in February is red gums caused by gum disease. Because February is Gum Disease Awareness Month, as well as the month of love, now seems like the perfect time to talk about the established connection between gum disease and the health of your heart. Read on as a dentist explains the link, and how you can save your heart by taking good care of your gums.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a bacterial infection in your gums that is typically caused by high levels of plaque in your mouth. Neglecting to schedule regular teeth cleanings or brush and floss every day can cause plaque to build up. This sticky film of food particles and bacteria can then irritate the gums, resulting in inflammation. This inflammation is the key to the gum-heart connection.

How Does Gum Disease Affect Your Heart?

Inflammation is a common immune system reaction to infection, especially in sensitive areas such as the mouth. The inflammation in the gums can create a chain reaction of inflammation that spreads throughout the body, eventually settling in the heart. It can narrow important arteries, increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke.

There’s another reason for the connection between oral health and heart health. When gum disease reaches its later stages, the gums may recede, forming pockets between gums and teeth. Bacteria in your gums then have easy access to your bloodstream through these pockets. They can travel to other areas of your body, including your heart, and cause infections there.

How Can You Keep Gum Disease at Bay?

To keep your heart in good health, you have to do a bit more than just eating right and exercising. It’s also a good idea to keep these tips in mind for preventing gum disease:

• Brush your teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste twice a day. Use an ultra-soft toothbrush to avoid irritating your gums.
• Floss at least once a day, ideally after every meal and snack. Flossing is the only way to clean food debris, bacteria, and plaque from between your teeth.
• Quit smoking or chewing tobacco. These habits increase your risk of not only gum disease, but also oral cancer.
• Cut back on sugary foods and drinks and replace them with fresh fruits and vegetables and water.
• See your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning.

This February, take good care of your heart not just by spending time with your significant other, but by taking care of your oral health. The tips listed above are also great to implement year-round to keep yourself free of gum disease no matter what month it is!

About the Author

Dr. Ukti Phadnis obtained her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Connecticut. Since graduation, she has taken numerous continuing education courses in many aspects of dentistry, including gum disease treatment. She also wholeheartedly believes in the importance of preventive care when it comes to maintaining a healthy mouth and heart. To learn more about how to take care of your oral health, visit Dr. Phadnis’ website.