Did you know that flossing your teeth can protect your heart? Recent research suggests a compelling link between oral and heart health, making your daily dental routine more important than ever.

Keep reading to learn more about the connections between flossing and heart disease and what the research says.

The Mouth-Heart Connection

The connection between oral health and heart disease has been debated for years. Mounting evidence points to a significant association between gum disease (also known as gingivitis or periodontal disease) and an increased risk of heart problems.

The relationship between oral health and heart disease is more than just a casual link. Studies have shown that people with severe gum disease are nearly twice as likely to have high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.

In addition, poor oral hygiene and the presence of gum disease can increase the risk of heart attack. One study found that individuals who don’t floss regularly were more likely to experience cardiovascular events, including death from cardiovascular disease.

Good oral health should be part of your plan for heart disease prevention and management.

Bacteria May Be the Link

Inflammation is at the heart of this connection. Gum disease is characterized by inflammation of the gums.

Your mouth is home to millions of bacteria. When gum disease is present, bacteria can enter your bloodstream through inflamed gum tissue. Once in the bloodstream, they can travel to other parts of your body, including your heart and specifically the valves of your heart, which stop blood from flowing back into the heart once it has been pumped out. These valves can be easily harmed by bacteria, which can lead to a serious condition called infective endocarditis.

Research has found that gum infections have been associated with plaque that builds up in the heart’s arteries and restricts blood flow. If left untreated, these bacterial invaders can contribute to the development of heart disease, potentially leading to a heart attack or stroke.

How To Protect Your Heart Through Oral Care

Given the potential impact of oral health on heart health, it’s crucial to establish and maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Here’s how you can take care of your teeth and gums to help protect your heart.

• Brush regularly — Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss daily — Make flossing a nonnegotiable part of your daily routine. Plaque and food particles between your teeth can cause issues with blood vessels that affect your heart, and flossing can clean where your toothbrush can’t reach.
• Rinse with mouthwash after consulting your dentist — Some studies show that mouthwash may increase the risk of hypertension (high blood pressure). Check with your dentist before using an antimicrobial mouthwash.

Pay Attention to Your Diet

Your diet can also contribute to your oral health. Here are a couple of tips for a healthy diet.

• Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, which can erode tooth enamel and promote bacterial growth.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Cut down on your consumption of processed foods and those high in saturated fat.

Get Regular Dental Checkups

Seeing your dentist often can help you detect tooth and gum problems early. This may help you prevent cardiovascular risk factors linked to dental issues.

Schedule regular dental cleanings and checkups, ideally every six months. Professional cleanings can remove tartar buildup that you can’t address at home.

Be Aware of Warning Signs

Watch for signs of gum disease, such as:

• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Bleeding while brushing or flossing
• Bad breath that won’t go away
• Loose teeth or changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite

If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your dentist right away.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is a significant risk factor for both gum disease and heart disease. Quitting smoking can improve your oral and heart health. If you’re having trouble discontinuing this habit, ask your doctor for a referral to a smoking cessation program.

Special Considerations for Dental Work

If you’re living with heart disease or have certain heart conditions, you may need to take special precautions when undergoing dental procedures.

Always inform your dentist about your heart condition. This includes any medications you’re taking as well as any changes in your health status. Some heart medications, particularly blood thinners, can increase the risk of bleeding during dental procedures. Your dentist may need to adjust their approach or consult with your cardiologist.

Some people with specific heart conditions may need to take antibiotics before certain dental procedures. This will help to prevent infective endocarditis. This is particularly important if you have:

• Artificial heart valves
• A history of endocarditis
• Certain congenital heart defects

“For my dental appointments, I have to premedicate for extra protection,” one MyHeartDiseaseTeam member said. Another replied, “I have to go off of my blood thinners before I see the dentist, which means getting medical clearance just for a dental appointment.”

Check with your cardiology team to determine whether you need to take any special precautions before seeing the dentist.

Oral Health Is Part of Your Overall Health

While the link between oral health and heart disease is compelling, it’s important to view oral care as part of a broader approach to overall health. Good oral hygiene alone isn’t a guarantee against heart disease, but it’s an important piece of the puzzle.

Other crucial factors to prevent heart disease include:

• Exercising regularly
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Managing stress
• Controlling other risk factors, like high blood pressure and high cholesterol

Speak with your cardiologist if you’re concerned about how your dental health may be impacting your heart disease. They can connect you with a dentist and get you on track to a stronger oral health strategy.

Talk to Others Who Understand

MyHeartDiseaseTeam is the social network for people with heart disease and their loved ones. On MyHeartDiseaseTeam, more than 62,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with heart disease.

Have you talked with your dentist about heart disease? What steps have you taken to ensure your oral health? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.