This Super-Common Health Issue Is Associated With Heart Disease, Cardiologists Say

Brushing your teeth and flossing are certainly important habits, but you wouldn’t think they had anything to do with your heart. But scientific research shows a connection between oral health and heart health.

According to an analysis of 26 different scientific studies, people with periodontal disease (more commonly known as gum disease) were at an increased risk for heart disease. What does your mouth have to do with your heart? Keep reading to see what cardiologists have to say.

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How Is Oral Health Related to Heart Health?

Dr. David Jacob, MD, a cardiologist at Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey, explains that poor dental hygiene causes inflammation in the mouth. This inflammation, he says, can spread to the rest of the body and blood vessels. This is how inflammation in the mouth could lead to cardiovascular inflammation, increasing the risk of heart disease.

“Inflammation weakens the blood vessels and leads to atherosclerotic conditions, meaning a buildup of cholesterol in the blood vessels. This can lead to coronary artery disease, angina and heart attack,” Dr. Jacobs says.

Cardiologist Dr. Tiffany Di Pietro, DO, FACC, also says that inflammation is the common link between gum disease and heart disease. Still, she says it’s more of a commonality than a cause-and-effect relationship. “Patients with gum disease generally have inflammation in their bodies, and these same patients can have heart disease which may be worse because of inflammation,” she says.

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There is one instance where Dr. Di Pietro says that poor oral health can directly impact the heart, which is specific to individuals with heart valve disease and who have an artificial heart valve. "Patients with heart valve disease and in particular artificial heart valves can have a higher risk of infection from gum disease. Excess bacteria in the mouth can seep into the bloodstream and then infect the artificial valves. This is called endocarditis. In this case, there can be a direct ‘cause and effect,'" she says.

Additionally, Dr. Di Pietro explains that research has shown that bacteria that colonize the mouth are found in diseased arteries of the heart. Despite this, antibiotics have not been shown to reduce the general risk of heart disease. “It’s the body’s immune response to those bacteria that can be the cause of damage and coronary disease,” she says.

The #1 Habit That’s Detrimental To Your Oral Health and Heart Health

Dr. Tariqshah Syed, MD, the Chief of Cardiology and interventional cardiologist at Holy Name Medical Center, says that there is one seriously detrimental habit that can cause both gum disease and heart disease: Using tobacco products. Scientific research has made it clear that tobacco use is the most important risk factor for gum disease. The same has been shown about tobacco and heart disease. This is why, Dr. Syed says, tobacco users can experience both gum disease and heart disease simultaneously. For this reason, not using tobacco products—including smoking, vaping, or chewing tobacco—is the number one way to take care of both your mouth and heart.

Dr. Di Pietro says that high levels of chronic inflammation are detrimental no matter where they are occurring. “Keeping everything from your teeth to your toes clean will help ward off any problems,” she says. That means if you are experiencing any forms of inflammation anywhere (such as digestive problems indicating inflammation of the gut or arthritis indicating inflammation in the joints), it’s important to address it.

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What are the signs of inflammation of the mouth? Be on the lookout for red and swollen gums, gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing, bad breath, receding gums or sensitive teeth. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, see a dentist for treatment.

Everything in the body is connected in some way—even parts of the body that seem to have nothing to do with each other. That’s why it’s important to have healthy habits in place that benefit your entire body.

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Sources

• Dr. David Jacob, MD, cardiologist at Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey

• Dr. Tiffany Di Pietro, DO, FACC, cardiologist in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

• Dr. Tariqshah Syed, MD, the Chief of Cardiology and interventional cardiologist at Holy Name Medical Center