Flossing and Heart Disease

This must be a mistake?  How can flossing and heart disease be related?  One has to do with teeth and the other with my life…  Well, it’s true, and there is an association between flossing, or lack thereof, and heart disease.  Research can now support claims that bacteria within the oral cavity can be associated with heart disease, and flossing, or a professional teeth cleaning, is the solution!

We have to remember that the “mouth and teeth” are connected to the rest of the body.  Blood flows throughout the body, and bacteria in one area of the body can be transported to another area as well.  Research has shown that people with heart issues may also have an unhealthy mouth, including teeth and gums.  By getting the teeth and gums in better shape, the severity and extent of the heart disease can be reduced.

Link Between Gum Disease and Your Heart

Gum disease can be caused by bacteria that form on teeth near the gumline.  Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease.  Gingivitis can have symptoms of redness, swelling, and soreness.  Periodontitis is a more severe form of gum disease, whereby bone can be destroyed and lost around the teeth.  This can lead to tooth loss.  This can also put one at a higher risk of heart attack or stroke.

But you may ask why?  Bacteria can get into your bloodstream through the gum tissue in one’s mouth.  It then enters your bloodstream and travels throughout your body.  Some research has shown that this bacteria can end up in arteries that serve the heart and possibly clog them. Another possibility is that bacteria cause a constant inflammation in the bloodstream, which can weaken your heart’s response to inflammation.

True?

Some scientists dispute the premise that bacteria from your gums can affect the function and health of your heart.  But there is no doubt that flossing is good for your oral health.  And better oral health contributes to good overall health. Flossing may be a drag to do, but it does help prevent gum disease.

So just remember, when you floss, you are not only keeping those teeth and gums healthy but also reducing your chance of having bad bacteria near your heart.

Dallas Dental Office News Update, By Dallas, Texas Dentist, William H. Miller
Woodhill Medical Park, 8305 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 235, Dallas, Texas, 75231
Phone: (214) 692-1050