The Connection Between Your Oral Health and Your Heart
Most people know that brushing and flossing keep their smile healthy. Fewer realize that the health of their gums may be connected to the health of their heart. At Marquez Integrative Dental Care, we take a whole-body approach to your dental care — and one of the most important connections we discuss with patients is the relationship between oral health and cardiovascular health.
What the Research Suggests
The oral-systemic connection has been the subject of substantial scientific investigation. A review published in the Journal of Periodontology and the American Journal of Cardiology (2009) concluded that periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease share common risk factors, and that the association between the two conditions warrants attention from both dental and medical professionals. Studies have found that people with periodontal disease may have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular events compared to those with healthy gums. The American Heart Association has acknowledged the association while noting that causality has not been definitively established.
It is important to be clear: maintaining good oral health does not guarantee the prevention of heart disease, and no dental treatment should be understood as a cardiac intervention. What the research suggests is an association worth paying attention to — one that makes regular dental care an even more meaningful part of your overall health routine.
What Role Does Gum Disease Play?
Periodontal disease — infection and inflammation of the gums and supporting bone — is one of the most common chronic infections in adults, and largely silent in its early stages. When the gums are inflamed, bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream. Researchers have found oral bacteria in arterial plaque in some patients with cardiovascular disease, suggesting a possible direct pathway.
This is one reason our practice has long invested in thorough periodontal evaluation and treatment. We offer Perio Protect — a non-invasive, customized tray system that delivers antimicrobial treatment into the spaces between the teeth and gums — as a patient-friendly, at-home adjunct to professional care.
What Can You Do?
- Keep your regular dental appointments — professional cleanings remove buildup that home care cannot
- Brush and floss consistently — daily home care is the foundation of healthy gums
- Tell us about your health — update us on any changes to your medical history or medications
- Do not ignore warning signs — bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or gum recession are reasons to schedule sooner
Caring for your gums is one of the simplest investments you can make in your long-term health. Want to discuss your periodontal health? Learn about Perio Protect or contact our El Paso office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Marquez.