Understanding the Link Between Gum Health and Heart Health 

Most people associate February with hearts. But Valentine’s Day isn’t the only reason the shortest month of the year should conjure up that image — it’s also officially American Heart Month. 

The National Institutes of Health and other organizations use this opportunity to call attention to the fact that heart disease is the leading cause of death across the country. Fortunately, we can all take steps to protect this critical organ. That includes maintaining good oral health. 

Your gums have a surprisingly strong link to your heart. That’s why, at our Family Dental Care office in West Palm Beach, Florida, Dr. Sujay Trivedi and Dr. Michael Westcott provide regular teeth cleanings. If you visit us twice a year to have your mouth cleaned and examined, we can help you prevent gum disease. 

Before we talk about preserving your gum health, though, let’s talk about why that matters for your heart. 

The connection between gum and heart health

What happens in your mouth can have an impact on the rest of your body. The American Heart Association puts it simply, saying that the same bacteria that can harm your teeth and gums can readily travel to — and damage — other parts of your body, including your heart. 

In fact, researchers have found a statistical relationship between gum disease and cardiovascular issues. Having gum disease makes you two to three times more likely to have a stroke, heart attack, or another major heart problem.

Researchers still don’t understand exactly why. Some think that the bacteria that causes plaque may cause inflammation in your body, contributing to these issues. Medical experts also say that the bacteria can get into your heart via your bloodstream, infecting the organ’s valves. 

Fortunately, we don’t need to figure out precisely how the bad bacteria in your mouth hurts your heart. It’s enough to know that this connection exists. Taking action to keep your gums healthy lowers your risk of developing heart issues related to gum disease. 

Steps to protect your gum health — and your heart

First things first, be on the lookout for the signs of gum disease. Those include gums that are:

• Red
• Swollen
• Quick to bleed
• Sensitive
• Receding

Gum disease can also cause persistent bad breath. 

Fortunately, when you catch gum disease early, it’s usually easy to reverse. A teeth cleaning at our office removes any tartar (hardened plaque) that you can’t get off at home. Then, you just need to keep bacteria at bay by flossing and brushing daily. With time, your gums should heal. 

The bottom line? Healthy gums translate into a lowered risk of serious heart health problems. To schedule a gum health evaluation, call our Family Dental Care team at 561-556-1698 today, or book an appointment online at your convenience.