The Link Between Oral and Heart Health

The spread of bacteria and other germs is what makes poor oral health a contributing factor to heart problems. It is estimated that there are between 500 to 650 different bacterial species in the oral cavity. These bacteria are kept under control by the body’s natural defense system and good oral health. However, with a lack of proper oral care, they can potentially lead to oral infections, which can in turn spread to other parts of your body through your bloodstream.

A study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) showed that poor oral health can result in infective endocarditis, which is an infection of the inner lining of the heart. This happens when germs and bacteria from the mouth spread through the bloodstream and attach themselves to damaged areas of the heart.

Additionally, a scientific statement from the American Heart Association (AHA) mentioned that the link between inflammations caused by oral bacteria and atherosclerosis or clogged arteries may lead to stroke. Here are some tips on maintaining oral health during your senior years.

Teeth Cleaning

It is recommended that you use a soft bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss to clean between your teeth at least once a day. This is really important because it helps prevent the formation of plaque.

Denture Cleaning

Denture wearers should clean their dentures daily using cleaning products specifically made for it. Dentures should also be taken out of the mouth for at least four hours every day to help maintain healthy gums.

Visit the Dentist

A regular dental checkup supports the daily cleaning efforts made at home. It also helps in recognizing early signs of gum disease and tooth decay early.

Diet and Lifestyle

Everything that comes into the mouth affect oral hygiene. A healthy diet including fruits and vegetables is recommended to help the teeth and gums stay in good shape. Smoking is generally not good for your health, and it is known to increase the risk of heart disease in seniors. As such, it is recommended that you quit the habit entirely.

A great smile does not only reflect the beauty and confidence of a person; it can also lower your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other diseases. Seniors should take extra measures to keep their oral health in good condition.

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Gum Disease

People who have periodontal disease, or gum disease, are more likely to have heart attacks. Gum disease is usually the result of poor oral health, such as lack of brushing or improper brushing, little to no flossing, and not visiting your dentist regularly. With gum disease, plaque that forms on your teeth that has not been brushed away can form into tartar, a hard substance that is difficult to remove. This tartar can cause inflammation of the gums, causing your gums to pull back from your teeth, bleed, and harbor infection. This inflammation can be associated with inflammation in your arteries.

Oral Bacteria

This inflammation in your arteries could be the result of bad bacteria in your mouth traveling through your blood stream. The bacteria could encourage inflammation, therefore allowing for further buildup of plaque in your arteries. This could lead to artherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Artherosclerosis is a common cause of heart attack and stroke. This link makes it more important than ever to practice good oral hygiene in your daily life. Brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly helps, but speak with your dentist about proper brushing techniques as well. If you smoke, this is a great time to quit. Smoking can encourage bad bacteria to grow in your mouth and lead to gum disease.

Gingivitis

Even if you haven’t been diagnosed with gum disease, gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, can be just as bad. Gingivitis is a prelude to gum disease and can still cause your gums to swell and bleed due to bad bacteria in the mouth, plaque, and tartar. Plaque can harden over a 24-48 hour period, meaning proper brushing once a day is enough, but brushing twice a day will alleviate your chances of getting gingivitis or gum disease even more. If you smoke or eat a lot of refined sugars in your diet or other acidic foods, brushing and rinsing with water when you can’t brush is important. Bad oral bacteria from gingivitis can make its way into your bloodstream and could potentially be harmful to blood vessels and encourage blood clot formation.

Your mouth is not a separate entity from the rest of your body—it is connected, and in a vital way. The mouth is the entryway for our nourishment and this entryway happens to be crammed with bacteria, both good and bad. By keeping up with proper oral hygiene and visiting your dentist, you can minimize bad bacteria and plaque, therefore leading to a healthy mouth and heart!

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