Heart Health Month: How Your Oral Health Supports a Healthy Heart

February is AmericanHeart Health Month, a perfect time to talk about an important, but often overlooked connection: your oral health and your heart health are closely linked. At Solstice Smiles Dental, we believe preventive dental care is a vital part of caring for your whole body, not just your smile.

The Mouth–Body Connection

Your mouth is the gateway to your body. When oral health is compromised, bacteria and inflammation don’t always stay confined to the gums; they can travel through the bloodstream and affect other systems, including the cardiovascular system.

Research over the past few decades has shown a strong association between gum disease (periodontitis) and an increased risk of:

• Heart disease

• Stroke

• High blood pressure

• Inflammation of blood vessels

While gum disease doesn’t cause heart disease, the two conditions share common risk factors and chronic inflammation appears to be the key link.

How Gum Disease Impacts the Heart

Gum disease is a chronic inflammatory condition caused by bacteria beneath the gumline. When gums are inflamed or bleeding, bacteria can enter the bloodstream and contribute to inflammation elsewhere in the body. This inflammation may:

• Worsen arterial plaque buildup

• Increase the risk of blood clots

• Strain the cardiovascular system

In other words, unhealthy gums can add unnecessary stress to an already hardworking heart.

Signs Your Oral Health May Need Attention

Because gum disease can progress quietly, it’s important to watch for early signs, including:

• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing

• Persistent bad breath

• Red, swollen, or tender gums

• Gum recession or loose teeth

Early treatment not only protects your smile, it supports your overall health.

Simple Steps That Support Both Heart & Oral Health

The good news? The habits that protect your heart also benefit your oral health.

• Brush twice daily and floss once a day to reduce bacteria and inflammation

• Schedule regular dental cleanings and exams to catch issues early

• Eat a balanced diet low in added sugars and rich in whole foods

• Avoid tobacco products, which significantly increase risks for both gum disease and heart disease

• Manage chronic conditions like diabetes, which affect both oral and cardiovascular health

A Holistic Approach to Your Health

At Solstice Smiles Dental, we see dental care as an essential part of preventive healthcare. During Heart Health Month (and all year long) we encourage our patients to think of dental visits not just as smile maintenance, but as an investment in lifelong wellness.

A healthy heart and a healthy smile go hand in hand.

If it’s been a while since your last dental visit at our Petworth office then February is a great time to schedule one and take a positive step toward total-body health.