Historically, heart disease prevention has focused on measures such as a healthy diet and regular exercise. However, the American Heart Association (AHA) just released a scientific statement encouraging people to focus on another area of health to support the heart: teeth. This is it cardiologist advice for heart health.
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The statement, published in the magazine Circulationstrongly supports the role of good dental health in supporting heart health. “The mouth and the heart are connected,” says Dr. Andrew H. Tran, a cardiologist and director of the preventive cardiology program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. “Brushing, flossing and regular dental checkups not only contribute to a healthy smile, but are also important for protecting your heart.”
The AHA scientific statement focuses on periodontal diseasea chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects people over the age of 30. The initial stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis (inflammation of the gums due to plaque buildup), followed by periodontitis, in which the gums begin to pull away from the teeth and form small pockets that can trap bacteria and cause infection. (The most advanced stage is severe periodontitis, in which teeth may become loose and fall out.)
“We’ve known for a long time that periodontal disease it is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease” says Dr. Yu-Ming Ni, a cardiologist and lipidologist at MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, Calif. “It’s not a relationship we talk about often.”
The link between dental and heart health may seem coincidental, but there are some things to consider. Here’s what doctors recommend keeping in mind.
Cardiologist advice for heart health
There are several reasons why dental health may affect the risk of cardiovascular disease. Gum disease and poor oral hygiene allow bacteria to enter the bloodstreamcausing inflammation that can lead to plaque buildup and ultimately heart disease, says Dr. Hosam Hmoud, a cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in Northwell.
Gum disease itself causes inflammation, and the body reacts to it, explains Dr. Ni. “This inflammation can overload the heart’s arteries, ssimply because of the nature of that chronic inflammatory response” he adds. Inflammation also appears to make the plaque that builds up in the arteries more vulnerable to rupture, which can lead to heart attack and stroke, adds Dr. Ni.
However, “the exact mechanisms linking gum disease to heart disease are not completely understood,” says Dr. Hsun-Liang Chan, DDS, professor and director of the Division of Periodontics at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. But thanks to this association, “maintaining good oral hygiene, along with regular dental visits, can mitigate these risks“, says Dr. Hmoud.
By the way, this is not a new concept. Several studies have linked periodontitis to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, death from a cardiac event, and other conditions. “In general, periodontitis should be considered one of many modifiable risk factors” says Dr. Stephanie Saucier, a cardiologist at Hartford HealthCare.
The importance of dental health for the heart
The AHA points out that although periodontitis contributes to the chronic inflammation associated with heart disease, a causal relationship has not been established. Therefore, although a person with periodontitis may have an increased risk of heart attack and other cardiac events, it is unclear whether periodontitis is the direct cause.
Nonetheless, Cardiologists say there appears to be some benefit to maintaining good dental health to protect the heart. “It wouldn’t completely change the situation, but it would certainly be an additional factor in changing heart disease risk factors,” says Dr. Hmoud.
Dr. Ni agrees. “This it can certainly influence your risk of heart disease, but it is one of many risk factors“, he adds. “Having perfect dental health won’t eliminate the risk of heart disease, but it certainly helps.”
Justin Zachariah, co-author of the statement and director of pediatric cardiology research at Texas Children’s Hospital Heart Center, emphasizes the importance of maintaining good dental health. “Treating gum disease through direct oral hygiene treatments, such as flossing, can reduce inflammation throughout the body and change the microorganisms that reside locally in the mouth, the oral microbiome,” he says. “Inflammation related to gum disease appears to be associated with more serious risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol.”
How often to see the dentist
L’American Dental Association (ADA) recommends regular dental visits to reduce the risk of developing tooth decay and periodontitis. “For people without a diagnosis of periodontitis, two visits per year should be sufficient,” says Dr. Chan. “For those who have already been diagnosed with periodontitis, given their increased risk, three to four cleanings per year are recommended.”
Of course, in case of dental problems or toothache, it is important to consult the dentist as soon as possible.
Other ways to reduce your risk of heart disease
If you really want to optimize your heart health, iDr. Ni recommends following the Eight Elements. The AHA’s Essential Principles of Life detail heart-healthy lifestyle habits. Among these:
- Sfollow a healthy diet that includes whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, and cooking with non-tropical oils such as olive and canola oil.
- Do at least 2.5 hours of physical activity of moderate intensity per week.
- Avoid tobacco.
- Sleep seven to nine hours a night.
- Strive to maintain a healthy weight.
- Manage cholesterolfocusing on reducing levels of LDL or “bad” cholesterol.
- Manage blood sugar.
- Manage blood pressuretrying to keep it below 120/80 mmHg.
If you are concerned about your heart health, consult your doctor. It can assess your individual risk factors and provide you with personalized advice. “Anything we can do to take care of our heart health is beneficial,” says Dr. Zachariah.
