Heart Health and Oral Care – How They Go Hand in Hand

Many people dismiss the importance of taking care of their mouths, but recent studies support that poor oral health has other consequences besides rotting teeth.

Individuals with unhealthy gums are more likely to have heart disease, as reported by Newcastle University Dental School. “Inflamed gums are linked to high levels of C-reactive protein, a possible biomarker of heart disease, in the body. Dental cleaning can actually reduce levels of C-reactive protein and also improve the health of blood vessels,” says medical journalist Susan Aldridge, PhD.

“More women than men (59% vs. 48%, respectively) understand that when they take care of their teeth, they are taking care of their hearts; yet women are much less likely than men (17% vs. 21%, respectively) to put most of their energy into good oral care routines over other lifestyle modifications, like exercise and diet (Cardio Smart, 2010).”

People are generally unaware that heart and oral health link up. With more research being conducted on the connection between the two, we hope it gives you the boost to fall in love with your mouth year after year.