Protect your gums, Protect your heart!

Protect your gums, protect your heart

Did you know that brushing your teeth regularly could lower your risk of developing heart problems? According to a recent study by Korean researchers, people who brushed their teeth three or more times a day had a 10 percent lower risk of atrial fibrillation and 12 percent lower risk of heart failure¹. This finding adds to the growing evidence that oral health and heart health are closely linked.

But how does brushing your teeth affect your heart? One possible explanation is that poor oral hygiene leads to gum disease, which is a chronic inflammation of the tissues that support the teeth. Gum disease is caused by bacteria that accumulate in the plaque that forms on the teeth. These bacteria can trigger an immune response that causes inflammation, bleeding, and tissue damage in the gums. Gum disease can also affect other parts of the body, as the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to the arteries that supply blood to the heart. There, they can cause inflammation and damage to the arterial walls, which can lead to atherosclerosis, a condition where fatty deposits build up inside the arteries and narrow them. Atherosclerosis can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, as it reduces the blood flow to the heart and brain. Atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat, can also result from reduced blood flow to the heart, as it can impair the electrical signals that control the heart rhythm²³.

Therefore, by brushing your teeth regularly, you can prevent gum disease and reduce the amount of bacteria and inflammation in your mouth and bloodstream. This can help protect your arteries and heart from damage and lower your risk of cardiovascular problems. Of course, brushing your teeth is not the only factor that affects your heart health. You should also maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. However, brushing your teeth is a simple and effective way to improve your oral health and your heart health at the same time. So, next time you pick up your toothbrush, remember that you are not only cleaning your teeth, but also caring for your heart.

Sources

(1) Gum disease and heart disease: The common thread - Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/gum-disease-and-heart-disease-the-common-thread.

(2) Gum disease and the connection to heart disease - Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/gum-disease-and-the-connection-to-heart-disease.

(3) Heart Disease and Gum Disease | Northwestern Medicine. https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/heart-disease-and-gum-disease.

(4) Gum disease and heart disease: The common thread - Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/gum-disease-and-heart-disease-the-common-thread.

(5) Gum disease and the connection to heart disease - Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/gum-disease-and-the-connection-to-heart-disease.

(6) Gum Disease and Heart Disease: What's the Connection? - Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/gum-disease-and-heart-disease.

(7) Does better gum health protect your heart? - Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/does-better-gum-health-protect-your-heart.