There's a connection between our teeth and heart health, with bad oral health increasing the likelihood of an infection that may trigger a heart attack. Our Coldwater wellness tips for oral and heart health could help reduce your risk.
According to the World Health Organization, untreated tooth decay is the most common health condition worldwide. An estimated 3.7 billion people have an oral disease. Another one billion people have periodontal (gum) disease.
Though largely preventable, having an oral disease could increase your risk of chronic health conditions like cardiovascular disease.
What's the connection between teeth and heart health, and how can you reduce your gum disease and heart risk? Read on to improve your overall health during your retirement in Coldwater, MI!
According to Harvard Health Publishing, people with poor oral health (including tooth decay and loss or gum disease) have higher rates of cardiovascular problems than those with good oral health. These cardiovascular issues include heart attacks and strokes.
Bacteria can infect the gums, causing gingivitis or, when it's in its advanced stages, periodontitis. The bacteria can travel to blood vessels throughout the body, triggering inflammation.Inflammation is the body's natural immune response.
Excessive inflammation can trigger damage, leading to tiny blood clots, heart attacks, or strokes. Inflammation can also set off vascular damage in the heart and brain.
It's also possible that cardiovascular disease and oral disease occur together due to lifestyle decisions like smoking. Genetics can also trigger either disorder.
According to a cohort study of one million people, poor oral health may increase the risk of coronary heart disease. Smoking may act as a contributing risk factor.
A report from the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health indicates that the odds of a first heart attack are 28% higher for people with gum disease. These patients are three times more likely to have a stroke involving blood vessels in the back of the brain. Having oral infections during childhood may also increase the risk of clogged arteries in adulthood.
Taking care of your oral health may help reduce your risk. Consult your dentist for personalized recommendations.
Lifestyle factors that may increase your gum disease and heart risk include:
To improve your oral health, try:
Flossing may help lower your risk of cardioembolic and incident ischemic stroke. It could help reduce systemic inflammation, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Effective tips for improving senior health and prevention include:
To improve your heart health, explore your senior living community's dining program. Following the DASH diet may help reduce your risk of high blood pressure. Try eating more fruit, which contains protective antioxidants.
Other tips for following the DASH diet include:
Exercising may strengthen your heart and help relieve stress.You can find fun exercise classes through your senior living community's fitness program. Try engaging in a mix of aerobic, strength training, and balance activities.
Yoga can help relax the mind and body. It may help:
You can find yoga classes on your community's events and activities calendar. Try participating at least twice a week.
To relieve stress, explore your senior living community's events and activities calendar. Engaging in hobbies can help relieve stress, which could otherwise affect your oral and heart health.
Common signs of bad oral health include:
Visit your Coldwater, MI dentist if you experience the above symptoms. They'll determine if you have a cavity, gingivitis, or another oral health issue. Beginning immediate treatment could help you avoid complications like sepsis.
Neglecting to seek treatment could increase your risk of:
Signs of heart failure can include:
Visit a doctor if you experience these quiet symptoms of heart failure. Symptoms may develop over months or occur quickly. They can recommend the best course of treatment.
To recap, what's the connection between our teeth and heart health? Bad oral hygiene may cause bacteria to spread, potentially increasing your risk of a heart attack or stroke. You can decrease your gum disease and heart risk by improving your oral hygiene.
You can find more helpful health resources through your Coldwater senior living community. At LakeHouse Coldwater, we strive to offer high-quality care to ensure residents receive the comfort they deserve. We proudly rank number one in Customer Satisfaction Among Assisted Living & Memory Care Communities in the JD Power 2025 US Senior Living Satisfaction Study.
Discover our exclusive lifestyle programs, including engaging activities like live music and fitness classes or chef-prepared meals in our dining room. Contact us now to schedule your tour.