How Healthier Gums May Benefit Your Heart

Taking care of your gums isn’t just about a beautiful smile — it could also protect your heart. Over 42% of all adults older than 30 have some form of gum disease, and unfortunately, there’s a strong connection between gum disease (periodontal disease) and heart disease.

Here at The Dental Center of Hercules, Dr. Lovely Manlapaz Teodoro and her team are big on prevention, and, thankfully, there are many ways to protect your gums and your heart.

Here’s what you need to know.

Understanding the link between gum and heart health

Gum disease occurs when bacteria — specifically Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), the bacteria responsible for gum disease —  build up along your gumline. Bacterial overgrowth can lead to infection and inflammation. 

To compound matters, this inflammation doesn’t just stay in your mouth; it can spread throughout your body. That right there — the inflammation — is really the key that connects gum disease and heart issues. 

The bacteria can contribute to inflammation in your blood vessels. Research shows that P. gingivalis affects your endothelial function (your endothelium is the lining of your blood vessels) and when your endothelium is inflamed, it increases your risk of heart disease by contributing to the development of atherosclerosis (when your arteries harden). 

Research indicates that people with gum disease are two to three times more likely to experience serious cardiovascular events like heart attacks compared to those with healthy gums. Gum disease also increases your risk of strokes. In fact, large artery strokes are twice as common in people who have gum disease.

How healthier gums may benefit your heart

Now that we’ve explored the link between gum disease and heart health, let’s talk about the opposite: how healthy gums may benefit your heart.

Keeping your gums healthy can help:

Reduce your risk of inflammation related to P. gingivalis

Chronic inflammation from gum disease can contribute to hardened arteries, making it harder for your blood to flow efficiently. Keeping your gums healthy may help reduce overall inflammation and lower heart disease risk.

Lower bacteria in your bloodstream

Gum infections allow harmful bacteria to enter your bloodstream. On the flip side, keeping gum disease at bay can help reduce bacterial overgrowth.

Support better circulation

People with gum disease may have higher levels of arterial plaque, which can restrict blood flow. On the other hand, if you keep your gums healthy, you can reduce the risk of having poor circulation due to gum disease-related inflammation.

5 simple steps that keep your gums (and heart!) healthy

If you’re concerned about your gums or your heart, there’s good news. You can implement four easy strategies to protect your gums and your heart:

• Brush twice a day to remove plaque from along your gums
• Floss daily 
• Visit Dr. Teodoro regularly for cleanings and checkups
• Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants to support gum and heart health
• Avoid smoking, which increases the risk of both gum disease and heart disease

If you do spot the earliest signs of gum disease, don’t wait until it gets worse before you come to The Dental Center of Hercules. Gingivitis, the earliest form of gum disease, is the easiest to reverse. 

And if you do develop gum disease? You’re not alone! Dr. Teodoro can help you manage the condition for the sake of your mouth and your heart. Gum disease can be treated with antibiotics to clear the infection, procedures like root scaling and planing, and improved at-home oral hygiene. 

If you’re due for a cleaning or if you spot the signs of gum disease, give us a call or use our online scheduling system to book your appointment.