How Regular Dental Visits Can Lower Your Risk of Heart Attack
The Science: What's the Link?
The connection between gum disease and cardiovascular disease has been studied for decades, and the findings are consistent: people with periodontal (gum) disease have a significantly higher risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke compared to those with healthy gums.
Bacterial Spread
The bacteria responsible for gum disease can enter the bloodstream through inflamed, bleeding gum tissue. Once in the bloodstream, these bacteria have been found in arterial plaque in the heart. They may contribute directly to the inflammation that drives atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
Systemic Inflammation
Gum disease is a chronic infection, and chronic infections trigger ongoing systemic inflammation. Elevated levels of inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) are associated with both periodontal disease and cardiovascular events. Treating gum disease has been shown to reduce CRP levels in the bloodstream.
Immune Response
The body's immune response to oral bacteria may trigger reactions that damage arterial walls over time.
What the Research Shows
- A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that people who had their teeth professionally cleaned at least once every two years had a 24% lower risk of heart attack and a 13% lower risk of stroke.
- Research from Harvard found that men with gum disease had a 49% higher risk of kidney cancer, a 54% higher risk of pancreatic cancer, and a 30% higher risk of blood cancers.
- The American Heart Association has acknowledged gum disease as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
What This Means for You
Professional Cleanings
Remove tartar that your toothbrush cannot reach and that harbors the bacteria most associated with both gum disease and cardiovascular risk.
Early Detection of Gum Disease
Allows for treatment before the infection becomes systemic. Treated gum disease means reduced bacterial load in the body.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Catch other serious conditions early.
Overall Health Monitoring
Dentists can often spot signs of systemic conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, and nutritional deficiencies, in the oral tissues. Your mouth is a window to your body.
Your Twice-a-Year Appointment Could Be a Lifesaver
The evidence is real, and the action required is simple: keep your regular dental appointments. Most dental cleanings take less than an hour. That's a reasonable investment for the protection of your heart.
