Four Questions on Heart Health, Oral Health & Overall Health

A healthy smile and a healthy heart go hand in hand. With February being American Heart Month, Dr. Keith Libou, Chief Clinical Officer at Delta Dental of New Jersey, answers some commonly asked questions about the relationship between heart health, oral health, and overall health.

Q: Is good oral hygiene synonymous with a healthy heart?

A: Brushing and flossing daily will positively impact not just your oral hygiene but also your heart health. Plaque that’s not properly removed may result in gum disease, which will start out as gingivitis, before turning into potentially infective periodontitis. Untreated gum disease may cause problems with your heart and blood vessels.

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, people with gum disease have nearly double the risk for heart disease as those with healthy gums. Researchers believe gum disease affects heart health when inflammation from gum disease increases coronary artery plaque buildup which can result in restricted blood flow, causing a heart attack or stroke.

Q: Does the connection between oral health and heart health extend to overall health?

A: Healthy teeth and gums contribute to a healthy body—untreated gum disease has been linked to lung disease, high cholesterol, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, colon cancer, obesity and premature births in pregnant women.

Q: Is there anything else my dentist can do to understand my heart health?

A: Ask your dentist to take your blood pressure, which can give a glimpse into how efficiently your heart is pumping.

Q: What are some tips I can practice to maintain good oral health hygiene?

A: There are several simple preventive measures you can practice to maintain your overall health. Aside from proper brushing and flossing daily (paying special attention to the gum line), limit sugary or starchy snacks and beverages; quit smoking; and, visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.