Your Mouth and Your Heart: How Gum Health Connects to Your Body

February is American Heart Month, and it's a good reminder that your mouth isn't separate from the rest of your body. Over the past few decades, researchers have found connections between gum health and overall health, especially heart health. Here's what we know, what we don't, and what you can do about it.

What gum disease is

Gum disease (periodontal disease) is a chronic bacterial infection of the gums and the bone that supports the teeth. It starts as gingivitis, with red, swollen or bleeding gums, and can progress to periodontitis, where the gums pull away from the teeth and bone is lost. It's very common in adults, and in its early stages it often causes no pain. Our post on signs of gum disease walks through the warning signs.

The heart connection

Studies have found that people with gum disease are more likely to have cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke. Researchers believe inflammation is a key part of the link: gum disease causes ongoing inflammation in the body, and inflammation plays a role in the buildup of plaque in blood vessels. Oral bacteria can also enter the bloodstream through inflamed gums.

It's important to be accurate about what this means. The research shows an association, but it hasn't proven that gum disease directly causes heart disease, or that treating gums prevents heart attacks. The two conditions also share risk factors, such as smoking, diabetes and age. Still, the connection is a strong reason to take gum health seriously.

Other links between your mouth and your health

• Diabetes. The connection runs both ways: diabetes raises the risk of gum disease, and gum disease can make blood sugar harder to control. Read more in our post on diabetes and gum health.
• Pregnancy. Gum disease has been studied for links to pregnancy complications, which is one reason dental care during pregnancy matters.
• Respiratory health. In older adults and people in care settings, oral bacteria can contribute to lung infections such as pneumonia.

Heart conditions and dental visits

If you have a heart condition, tell us about it and about any medications you take, especially blood thinners. A few patients with specific heart conditions, such as certain artificial heart valves or a history of infective endocarditis, may need antibiotics before some dental procedures. Your cardiologist and dentist can coordinate on this. Most people with heart disease don't need them.

Simple steps that help both

The habits that protect your gums also support your overall health:

• Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth daily.
• Don't smoke or vape. Tobacco is a major risk factor for both gum disease and heart disease.
• Manage diabetes and blood pressure with your doctor.
• Eat a balanced diet low in added sugar.
• Keep regular dental checkups and cleanings so gum disease is caught early.
• Treat gum disease promptly. If you have it, a deep cleaning and maintenance visits keep it under control.

Take care of your whole self

Healthy gums are part of a healthy life. If your gums bleed, look swollen or it's simply been a while since your last visit, learn about our periodontal treatment, then request an appointment online or call Zen Family Dental at (703) 385-2772.