{"id":10033,"date":"2022-05-06T11:54:20","date_gmt":"2022-05-06T11:54:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/integrityfamilydentist.com\/?p=10033"},"modified":"2026-06-04T14:18:47","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T20:18:47","slug":"how-oral-health-can-improve-heart-health-cip109","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.integrityfamilydentist.com\/blog\/how-oral-health-can-improve-heart-health-cip109\/","title":{"rendered":"How Good Oral Health Can Improve Heart Health"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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\"How<\/a>A general dentist<\/a> often focuses on the importance of oral hygiene and how it can help the overall health of patients. There are many patients who are unaware of the impact that oral health can have on the heart\u2019s health. The following explains how poor oral hygiene may be connected to the development of heart issues.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The connection between oral and heart health<\/h2>\n
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Oral health has been shown to have an effect on a patient\u2019s heart health. Poor oral hygiene can result in gum disease. In some cases, bacteria and germs from the mouth spread through the bloodstream and to other parts of the body; this can cause serious inflammation and bacterial infections. The inflammation may contribute to the development of many heart conditions. A bacterial infection in the bloodstream can be harmful to the heart valves and may be dangerous for those who have artificial heart valves.<\/p>\n

Gum disease\u2019s role in heart disease <\/h3>\n
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Periodontal disease is an infection that develops in the gum tissues and jawbone. The condition is caused by plaque that builds up on the teeth and may lead to tooth loss. It is a common disease and can often remain undetected for long periods of time as some dental patients do not notice any of the typical signs of gum inflammation.<\/p>\n

Moderate and severe gum disease have been linked to numerous cardiovascular conditions. Patients with periodontal disease are more at risk to develop atherosclerosis, a condition that causes a narrowing and hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis puts patients at a higher chance of suffering from a heart attack or stroke. Endocarditis, an infection of the heart\u2019s lining that can cause life-threatening damage, has also been connected to gum disease.<\/p>\n

Symptoms<\/h3>\n
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Patients should be aware of the symptoms of periodontal disease and visit a general dentist<\/strong> as soon as possible if they develop any of the following warning signs:<\/p>\n