In honor of Heart Health Month, we at Wilder Dentistry want to share an important connection: the link between heart disease and dental health.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. In 2019, the CDC said that 659,041 people died from heart disease (source). 

While the connection between poor oral health and heart disease still needs more studying, there have been plenty of studies finding a connection. 

The Mayo Clinic shared the results of a few different studies linking the two:

• Gum disease (periodontitis) is associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease.

• Poor dental health increases the risk of a bacterial infection in the bloodstream, which can affect the heart valves. Oral health may be particularly important if you have artificial heart valves.

• Tooth loss patterns are connected to coronary artery disease.

• There is a strong connection between diabetes and cardiovascular disease and evidence that people with diabetes benefit from periodontal treatment.

With these evident connections between your heart health and your oral health, it’s important to keep in mind that while this month celebrates heart health, your teeth will play a big role in that. 

We’ve touched on this before on our blog but here are some simple things you can do to maintain your oral health:

• Brush twice daily for at least two minutes – Electric toothbrushes are the best go-to.

• Flossing daily

• Schedule regular appointments with your dentist

• Replace your toothbrush every three months – more often if you are sick

• Set reminders for your appointments, brushing, and flossing habits

We’re always here to help and would love to see you for an appointment. In celebration of this month, we are running a giveaway on our Facebook and Instagram accounts. We have a gift basket full of heart healthy-treats. All you have to do is take a photo of yourself at your next appointment and tag us. You can find out more here.