Educating patients is an essential part of every dentist’s role. Everyone knows how important it is to look after our teeth – to prevent cavities and unsightly staining, to help ensure a brighter smile, and for fresher breath. Many people are also now coming to better understand the importance of oral cancer screening during routine dental visits.
But what about the ramifications of one’s oral and dental health on their overall, systemic health and wellbeing?
While many, if not most, of the general public are unaware of it, the fact is that the health of one’s mouth (and especially the gums) is intrinsic to the health and proper function of many other body systems.
Not least of these are the cardiovascular system and heart health.
Medical researchers continue to investigate the association between oral health and cardiovascular disease. This is most specifically in terms of periodontal disease, which can directly impact the health of the heart and blood vessels.
How are Oral Health and the Heart Linked?
The mouth is a hive of bacteria. Many of these bacteria are beneficial and essential for digestion and other physiological processes. But some can be harmful, especially if they travel beyond the oral cavity.
Studies have demonstrated that the oral bacteria which are involved in periodontal (gum) disease, as well as dental plaque, can enter the bloodstream. From here, they can attach to the interior walls of the blood vessels and the heart valves and cause a spike in C-reactive protein, which is a marker for inflammation in the blood vessels and it is identifiable in a blood test. Many medical conditions can cause an elevated reading for C-reactive protein.
When the blood vessels become inflamed, the risk of cardiovascular disease increases, including heart attack and stroke.
Warning Signs:
- Red, sore, or swollen gums
- Bleeding gums while eating, brushing, or flossing
- Gum retraction from the teeth
- A bad taste in the mouth
- Frequent bad breath (halitosis)
- Loose teeth
- Signs of infection around the gum/teeth (inflammation, open wound, pus, etc)
What if You Already Have Cardiovascular Disease?
Existing health conditions must be highlighted to any treating practitioner, including dentists. The presence of heart disease or associated medical conditions may influence the route to the care a dentist needs to give, including the choice of medications like pain management and anaesthetics for dental procedures. It will also alert the dentist if additional specialist monitoring is required during dental procedures for issues including an irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, etc.
Certain cardiovascular conditions and circumstances require specific precautions during dentistry. Conversely, poor oral health can potentially lead to their development.
They include:
- Endocarditis (bacterial infection of the heart’s inner lining).
- Recent Heart Attack (most dentistry should not be performed within six months of a heart attack i.e., myocardial infarction).
- Prior Stroke (usually means blood thinning medications, as well as potential orofacial side effects which need specific management).
- High Blood Pressure (some medications used to control hypertension can cause oral side effects, including dry mouth and swollen or overgrowing gums).
- Angina (medicines used to manage angina – or heart-related chest pain – can affect the gums; this condition also required extra monitoring during dental surgery).
- Antiplatelet/Anticoagulant Medications (these blood-thinning drugs include Clexane, Plavix, and Warfarin, and can result in excessive bleeding during dental procedures).
Tips to Improve Heart Health
While the exact relationship (and its extent) between oral health and heart disease are still being investigated, there is no denying that taking care of the teeth and gums is essential for reducing the risks of dental decay, gum inflammation, tooth loss, mouth ulcers, oral infections, and abscess formation.
- Maintain regular (six-monthly) preventative dental check-ups throughout your lifetime.
- Brush teeth twice daily and floss regularly.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to help protect the gums.
- Provide your dentist with your complete medical history. This includes providing details for other doctors you see, medications you regularly take (including over-the-counter medicines), and any medical conditions you have, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other cardiovascular conditions.
- Do not smoke, and if you do, quit.
- Moderate alcohol consumption.
- Consume a healthy diet and drink plenty of fresh water.
- If you experience bleeding gums, unhealing mouth sores, ulcers, loose teeth, sensitivity, etc, see your dentist.
- Ensure dentures and other appliances (dental retainers, bridges, etc) fit and function properly.
If you have existing cardiac issues, maintaining optimal oral health is even more critical.
Choose Adam Dental Supplies
A well-equipped clinic is essential for the provision of exceptional dental services. From preventative dental supplies to specialist instruments and equipment for dental surgery and everything in between, make Adam Dental Supplies your preferred distributor of dental products from Melbourne to Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and everywhere else throughout Australia.
We also offer a variety of top-quality retail products to the general public, including preventative dental supplies such as dental floss, mouthwashes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, gum care products, and more.
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