This World Heart Day, on 29 September 2024, oral experts, Curaprox, are raising awareness about an often-overlooked link – the connection between heart health and oral health. Sadly, according to research, people with gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) have two to three times the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular event, which is why oral health should be taken seriously when thinking about your overall health.
In fact, according to the Word Economic Forum’s recent white paper, half of the world’s population suffers from oral diseases, which not only affect their daily life, but increases the risk of other serious health problems like diabetes, stroke, heart and lung diseases, and even some cancers.
“Investing in oral health has certainly been overlooked as a health issue, which is staggering when you consider that it is estimated that oral diseases affect nearly 3.5 billion people. And given that good oral health promotes people’s ability to eat, speak, breathe, we need to address diseases related to this,” says Natasha Swart, Oral Education Manager at Curaprox.
“Today we know that poor oral hygiene can cause gum disease (periodontitis), a chronic inflammatory condition triggered by the buildup of plaque and bacteria on the teeth and gum – and inflammation is now also recognised as a key factor in heart disease. When left untreated, this inflammation can spread, releasing substances into the bloodstream that narrow and harden arteries – a hallmark of heart disease.”
This is why oral health and heart health are so closely linked, and why keeping your mouth clean is an important part of preventing heart disease. However, most oral health conditions can be avoided and treated in their early stages. “Our course, part of a prevention strategy for individuals is to prioritise regular dental checkups and brush at least twice daily – with fluoride-containing toothpaste – as adequate exposure to fluoride is an essential factor in the prevention of dental issues,” says Swart.
“But, given the strong connection between heart and oral health, it is also important for people to adopt a heart-healthy diet to reduce the risk of both oral and heart disease,” adds Swart. “It is only through staying informed, and vigilant, that people can take simple steps that benefit both their teeth and heart.”
“If someone wants to embrace better habits for a healthier heart and a brighter smile, we recommend to following the 8 simple steps below,” says Swart.
- Maintain good oral hygiene: Brushing twice daily, cleaning in between, and regular dental checkups can prevent gum disease, which has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
- Understand the inflammation connection: Gum disease causes inflammation, which can spread through the bloodstream, so watch out for this.
- Watch for signs of gum disease: Bleeding gums, bad breath, and swelling gums are early signs of gum disease. Treating these symptoms early can reduce risks to both oral and heart health.
- Limit sugary foods and drinks: Sugary diets contribute to both tooth decay and heart disease. Instead, examine a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to protect your heart and teeth.
- Quit smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for both gum disease and heart disease. Quitting smoking improves both oral health and cardiovascular health.
- Manage chronic conditions: Conditions like diabetes can worsen gum disease, which in turn can affect heart health. Managing diabetes and other chronic conditions can help reduce these risks.
- Prioritise regular health screenings: Regular dental and cardiovascular screenings will also support early detection of any potential issues. A proactive approach helps ensure your oral and heart health are in check.
- Keep your health care provider updated: Always tell your dental provider or health care provider about any oral concerns, keeping them updated about the medication you are taking and any heart problems or other health conditions you may be facing.
The link between oral health and heart health is undeniable, with growing evidence showing that maintaining good oral hygiene can considerably reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. By recognising the importance of oral care, individuals can improve not only their dental well-being but also protect their heart.
