Yes, oral health impacts your heart health. Bad teeth can cause heart problems and gum disease may lead to cardiovascular disease.
What the Science Says
Poor oral health is associated with poor heart health. In the past 15 years or so, scientific studies have caught up with that reality. First off, bacteria from an untreated tooth infection can enter the bloodstream and negatively impact the heart. Infections spreading from rotten teeth into the blood is very rare but very serious. More commonly, gum disease can increase your risk of heart disease. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, occurs when dental plaque (that sticky film on your teeth) builds up under your gum line. Gingivitis is an early form of periodontal disease. A 2012 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that almost 50% of US adults and 70% of US adults 65 and older experience gum disease. The American Heart Association found that individuals with advanced gum disease may be 2 times more likely to suffer from high blood pressure. According to Harvard Medical School, people with gum disease are up to 3 times more likely to have heart attacks, strokes, or other cardiovascular issues. There may not be a direct association in every person. Many with cardiovascular disease have healthy gums, and many with periodontal disease don’t develop heart problems. Risk factors of both gum disease and heart problems, like smoking, stress, and unhealthy diet, may explain the correlation. But more and more healthcare professionals and researchers believe that gum disease is an independent risk factor for heart disease. What is the connection between tooth decay and heart disease? Although not always connected, untreated tooth decay may lead to heart disease. The causes of tooth decay can also cause gum disease, which puts you at higher risk of heart disease.
