The Mouth-Body Connection
When most people think about oral health, they think of teeth and gums. But your mouth is also a window into your overall health. Increasing evidence shows a powerful connection between gum disease and heart health, and protecting your gums may also help protect your heart.
At Westmont Smiles Dental, we emphasize the importance of periodontal care as part of whole-body wellness. For many Westmont patients, understanding this link can be the key to reducing long-term health risks.
🩺 According to the American Heart Association (AHA), individuals with gum disease are nearly twice as likely to experience cardiovascular complications such as heart disease or stroke.
How Gum Disease Affects the Heart
Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is a bacterial infection that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth. When untreated, bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammation throughout the body.
This systemic inflammation has been linked to several heart-related conditions:
1. Atherosclerosis (Narrowing of Arteries)
Inflammation from gum infection can contribute to the buildup of plaque in blood vessels, increasing the risk of blockages that lead to heart attacks or strokes.
2. Endocarditis (Heart Lining Infection)
Oral bacteria can travel through the bloodstream and attach to damaged areas of the heart, leading to a serious infection known as endocarditis.
3. High Blood Pressure and Vascular Stress
Chronic inflammation may also elevate blood pressure and damage the lining of arteries, affecting overall heart function and circulation.
💡 A 2021 study in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology found that intensive periodontal treatment can reduce vascular inflammation and improve heart health markers in as little as six months.
Shared Risk Factors
Gum disease and heart disease share several common risk factors, including:
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Poor oral hygiene habits
- Diabetes or uncontrolled blood sugar
- Chronic stress or poor sleep
- Family history of inflammation-related diseases
Because of these shared factors, maintaining gum health can play a direct role in reducing your cardiovascular risk.
Signs You Should Watch For
Recognizing early signs of gum disease can help prevent systemic complications. Contact your dentist if you notice:
- Bleeding or swollen gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Gum recession or tooth sensitivity
- Loose or shifting teeth
Even if your teeth feel healthy, silent inflammation under the gumline can develop without pain. Regular periodontal evaluations help catch these issues early.
How Westmont Smiles Dental Helps Protect Your Health
Our approach to gum care focuses on prevention, early diagnosis, and collaboration. We use digital imaging and periodontal charting to track gum health over time and coordinate with physicians when systemic concerns arise.
Our comprehensive care includes:
- Professional cleanings and deep scaling to remove plaque and bacteria
- Antibacterial therapy for active gum infections
- Personalized home care plans tailored to each patient’s needs
- Education and prevention for patients managing heart or metabolic conditions
🩺 The American Dental Association (ADA) emphasizes that coordinated dental and medical care improves outcomes for patients with both cardiovascular and periodontal conditions.
Healthy Gums, Healthy Heart
Caring for your gums is more than cosmetic. It’s a vital part of your long-term health. A clean, healthy mouth reduces inflammation and supports better circulation and immunity.
At Westmont Smiles Dental, our team is dedicated to protecting your smile and your overall well-being through preventive, evidence-based care.
👉 Learn more about Periodontal Health in Westmont or schedule your gum evaluation today to take the first step toward a healthier smile and heart.
