Can Poor Dental Health Really Cause Heart Problems?

Dec. 17, 2015

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Take Great Care of Your Teeth!

One thing that everyone can agree on is that taking care of your teeth and good oral hygiene is important. However, what about the correlation between oral health and heart health? Can failing to take care of your teeth really cause problems for your heart? While there is still debate about this topic, here are a few facts that may help you understand this concern.

  • Studies have shown that those with poor oral health are more likely to suffer from heart problems. However, it may not be a direct correlation and only be incidental due to the fact that those who take better care of their teeth are likely taking better care of their bodies.
  • Robert Bonow, MD who formerly worked with the American Heart Association, noted that both gum disease and heart disease are conditions that deal with inflammation. Therefore, the link isn’t that big of a reach.
  • Several published studies show that gum disease is a risk factor for coronary artery disease–which is a major factor in many heart attacks and strokes.
  • Those who have even mild to moderate gum disease are often warned by their dentists or doctors to have their heart evaluated to check for underlying issues that may otherwise be overlooked. Getting this warning could the first sign that something may be wrong.
  • Taking care of the teeth and preventing gum disease is a simple matter for those who visit the dentist regularly. This is the first step in preventing major oral health issues. Even the possibility of it reducing gum disease risk an excellent secondary benefit.
  • The potential for gum disease and heart disease to be connected brings home the point that dentists and doctors should work together to treat the overall health of the patient. Making sure your doctor has information from your dentist, and vice versa can help these professionals get you the treatment you need.

So, even if researchers are not 100% certain about whether poor oral health can harm your heart, there is certainly proof that good oral health can’t hurt. Make sure you are taking care of your teeth on a daily basis and make time in your schedule to visit your dentist. Contact us and we’ll be happy to help you take control of your oral health today.



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