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Heart Health & Oral Health:
What’s the Connection?
Could practicing good oral hygiene be key to heart health?
February is American Heart Month, a great time for everyone to consider ways to reduce their risk of heart disease, the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States.
Research has suggested a link between oral health and cardiovascular disease that may provide even more reason to make oral care an important part of your healthcare routine.
At Health Edco, we have a full line of heart health education materials to help teach the importance of maintaining a healthy heart as well as oral and dental health teaching models and resources to highlight why oral hygiene matters.
Read on to learn more about the potential link between oral health and heart health.
How Oral Health and Heart Health May Be Connected
Studies have suggested that people who have poor oral health (such as gum disease and tooth loss) are also more likely to have cardiovascular health problems, including heart attack and stroke. Research is ongoing to understand how oral health and heart health might be connected, but there are several reasons why they might be linked.
One possibility is that the oral bacteria that causes gum disease can travel to other parts of the body, resulting in damage to blood vessels. Evidence for this theory is the fact that oral bacteria has been found in the fatty deposits of blood vessels damaged by atherosclerosis, which is the process of artery damage resulting from the buildup of plaque on artery walls. Atherosclerosis can lead to the development of a heart attack or stroke.
reveals how plaque buildup in arteries can lead to a heart attack.
Another possibility is that the inflammation caused by gum disease, rather than oral bacteria, can lead to blood vessel damage throughout the body, contributing to a heart attack or stroke.
In addition to potentially contributing to coronary heart disease, poor oral health can pose special risks for people with heart valve problems. Oral bacteria can spread through the bloodstream and infect the heart valves.
Revealing the Oral Health Damage That May Contribute to Heart Disease
A great way to contrast a healthy mouth with a mouth plagued by oral health issues that may help promote heart disease is our Clean Mouth/Dirty Mouth Display
contrasts an unhealthy mouth with a healthy mouth.
This mouth model depicts one half of a mouth with healthy teeth and gums and one half of a mouth with serious oral health problems, including tooth loss, cavities, plaque and tartar buildup, gingivitis, and periodontitis. The model’s informative base explains reasons to avoid poor oral health and how to maintain a healthy mouth.
Steps to Protect Oral Health
Remember: Taking care of oral health not only maintains a healthy smile; good oral health can help you maintain better nutrition (because you can eat and chew comfortably) and may help keep your blood vessels and heart healthier.
our Mr. Clean Mouth With Giant Toothbrush.
For a clean mouth:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles.
- Floss every day.
- Replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles appear worn.
- Eat a healthy diet, and avoid sugary snacks and soft drinks.
- Visit a dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
- Avoid all tobacco products.
Discover More Great Heart and Oral Health Education Materials and Models
For more informative materials and models that are perfect to teach about blood pressure, how atherosclerosis develops, and how to prevent cardiovascular disease, visit our section dedicated to heart health. For more models and displays that highlight the importance of dental care, visit our section dedicated to oral health teaching tools.
The information contained in this article is not intended to replace the advice of a healthcare professional.
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