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How Oral Health & Heart Health Are Linked

oral health and heart health connection
You may not think the health of your teeth can impact your heart. But research shows that poor oral health can cause adverse effects in other parts of the body. 

Let’s explore the connection between oral health and the heart. 

Gum Disease Linked to Heart Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a chronic inflammation of the tissues surrounding the teeth. People with periodontal disease may experience puffiness, bleeding and tenderness in the gums. They may also notice that their gums are receding, or pulling back to expose more of the tooth. 

Over time, untreated periodontal disease can progress to periodontitis and cause infection in not only the gums but in the bones of the jaw as well. This can lead to tooth loss, abscesses and severe pain. 

Many recent studies have also linked gum disease to an increased risk of coronary artery disease, stroke, and cardiac infarction (heart attack). 

In fact, people with gum disease have two to three times the risk of having a heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular event.

Many medical researchers believe the link between gum disease and heart disease is due to the bacteria in the mouth penetrating the gums and traveling into the bloodstream. Because periodontal disease causes pockets to form in the gums around the teeth, more bacteria can gather and potentially penetrate the blood vessels. 

Poor Oral Health Increases Risk of Infective Endocarditis

Infective endocarditis is an infection in the lining of the heart caused by the accumulation of bacteria in the bloodstream. The condition is rare but potentially life-threatening, as the condition can affect not only the heart’s lining, but also the valves and the heart muscles.

Individuals with existing cardiovascular issues are at a higher risk of developing infective endocarditis, especially when the gums are infected or when unhealthy gums are manipulated during a dental procedure. 

According to the American Heart Association, the biggest causes of infective endocarditis include poor oral hygiene, minor gum injury caused by tooth brushing, and dental procedures. 

Risk factors for developing endocarditis include congenital birth defects, having a pacemaker or artificial heart valve, being immunosuppressed or regularly using intravenous drugs. It is extremely important for people with these risk factors to practice good oral hygiene, including daily brushing and flossing. This helps reduce the risk of developing endocarditis.

Regular Dental Visits and Good Oral Hygiene May Reduce Risk of Cardiovascular Issues

According to the American College of Cardiology, regular dental visits and good dental care have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease. 


A study published by European Heart Journal in 2019 reported that adults who brushed at least twice per day experienced a 9% reduced risk of cardiovascular issues. Individuals who visited the dentist at least once per year experience a 14% reduced risk of cardiovascular issues. 


So does your dental health have an impact on your heart health? The answer is probably yes. Poor oral hygiene, including the presence of gum disease and periodontitis, can raise your risk of developing heart disease, experiencing a stroke or developing other cardiovascular issues. 

 Dental Care Services at Mat-Su Health Services, Inc.

If you’re concerned about your dental health, but are uninsured or underinsured in the Matanuska-Susitna area, Mat-Su Health Services, Inc. is here to help. 


We offer affordable, high-quality, reliable dental care services for residents of Wasilla, Big Lake and surrounding areas. Learn more about our dental care program or explore our sliding scale policy for payment today. 



Ready to schedule your appointment? Contact us here.

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