February is American Heart Month, which makes it a great time to learn more about heart disease, the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States.
While the links between heart disease and well-known risks such as diabetes, obesity, an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol use are widely understood, many people are unaware of the connection between oral health and heart disease.
At first glance, brushing and flossing may not seem related to cardiovascular health. But the mouth is one of the body’s most active gateways for bacteria and inflammation. When gum disease, oral infections, or untreated dental problems persist, they may contribute to systemic inflammation and increase cardiovascular risk, especially for patients who already have underlying health conditions.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, research has suggested that people who have poor oral health, such as gum disease or tooth loss, have higher rates of cardiovascular problems like heart attack or stroke than people with good oral health.
Let’s take a closer look at the connection between oral health and heart disease, and when an oral surgeon may be part of your care plan.
Oral Health Is Not Separate from Overall Health
It’s easy to think of oral health as something that only affects your teeth and gums. But your mouth is not isolated from the rest of your body. It is a vital part of it.
As the American Heart Association explains, bacteria (germs or “bugs”) that live in the mouth can contribute to tooth decay and infections. In some cases, oral bacteria may enter the bloodstream and affect other parts of the body, which is one reason researchers continue to study how oral health may relate to heart health.
That matters because infections and inflammation in the mouth can sometimes affect other systems, especially when they are left untreated for long periods of time. In fact, researchers have studied links between oral health and several broader health concerns, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes complications
- Respiratory infections
- Pregnancy-related complications
To be clear, oral health issues do not automatically “cause” heart disease. The relationship is more complex than that. However, many researchers believe the key connection may involve inflammation.
When gum disease or oral infections are present for long periods of time, the body stays in a heightened inflammatory state. Over time, chronic inflammation is one factor that may contribute to broader health concerns, including cardiovascular issues.
The Link Between Gum Disease and Heart Disease
While the relationship between oral health and heart disease is still being studied, researchers have identified several ways that gum disease may influence cardiovascular health.
Understanding these connections can help patients, especially those with existing risk factors, take their oral health more seriously as part of their overall wellness.
Gum Disease Creates Ongoing Inflammation:
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and the structures that support your teeth. It typically begins as gingivitis, which can cause red, swollen gums and bleeding. If it progresses to periodontitis, it may lead to:
- Gum recession
- Persistent infection below the gumline
- Bone loss around the teeth
- Loose teeth
- Tooth loss
Because periodontal disease can be chronic, it may act as a long-term inflammatory stressor on the body.
Oral Bacteria Can Enter the Bloodstream:
Inflamed gums can bleed easily, especially during brushing or flossing. When this happens, bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream. The body responds by activating the immune system, which may increase inflammation elsewhere.
Some studies have found oral bacteria in arterial plaque, which is one reason researchers believe the mouth may play a role in cardiovascular processes. This does not prove that oral disease directly causes heart disease, but it supports the idea that the mouth can influence overall health.
Oral Health May Matter Even More for High-Risk Patients:
For patients who already have cardiovascular risk factors, chronic oral inflammation may be an added concern. These risk factors can include:
- Diabetes
- Smoking history
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Family history of heart disease
For these patients in particular, taking oral infections and gum disease seriously is an important part of overall wellness.
Oral Infections and Conditions Oral Surgeons Treat
Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery helps treat a wide range of conditions that involve infection, inflammation, and bone health. These issues can be more significant than many patients realize, especially when symptoms are ignored or dismissed.
Dental Abscesses (Tooth Infections):
A dental abscess is an infection that can form at the root of a tooth or in the surrounding gum tissue. Some abscesses cause severe pain, but others may not. Symptoms can include:
- Swelling or pressure in the jaw or face
- Tenderness when chewing
- A bad taste in the mouth
- Drainage near the gumline
- Fever (in more severe cases)
Tooth infections should not be left untreated. In some cases, infection can spread and become more serious. Treating the source of the infection is important for both oral health and overall health.
Advanced Gum Disease and Tooth Loss:
Severe periodontal disease may lead to significant bone loss and tooth instability. In these cases, oral surgery may be recommended for:
- Tooth extractions
- Management of advanced infection
- Bone grafting (when appropriate)
- Dental implant placement
When gum disease progresses to this stage, it is often a sign that inflammation and infection have been present for a long time.
Impacted or Infected Wisdom Teeth:
Wisdom teeth can create problems even when they are not painful. When a wisdom tooth is partially erupted, it can trap food and bacteria under the gum tissue. This can increase the risk of inflammation and infection, sometimes called pericoronitis.
Other wisdom tooth complications may include:
- Repeated gum irritation
- Infection
- Damage to nearby teeth
- Crowding or pressure
- Cyst formation (less common)
An oral surgeon can evaluate wisdom teeth and help determine whether removal is recommended based on position, risk, and symptoms.
Oral Pathology Concerns:
Oral surgeons also evaluate suspicious growths, cysts, lesions, or abnormalities in the mouth and jaw. While many are benign, anything that does not heal or continues to worsen should be checked.
Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Even if you don’t have tooth pain, oral health problems can still be developing. Gum disease and infections often progress quietly, which is why it’s important to pay attention to early warning signs.
Common symptoms that may signal gum disease or an oral infection include:
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Swollen, tender, or red gums
- Gum recession (teeth look longer)
- A bad taste in the mouth or drainage near the gums
- Pain when chewing or pressure in the jaw
- Facial swelling
- Loose teeth or shifting bite
- Wisdom tooth irritation or recurring inflammation in the back of the mouth
Patients with existing health concerns such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a history of heart disease may want to be especially proactive about treating gum inflammation and oral infections early.
If your dentist recommends surgical care for impacted wisdom teeth, a tooth infection, or an extraction, an oral surgeon can help address the problem safely and prevent complications.
A Healthy Mouth Supports a Healthier Body
Heart disease has many causes and risk factors, but oral health is one area patients can take control of. Treating gum disease, addressing infections early, and following through on recommended care can reduce chronic inflammation and help support long-term wellness.
Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is here to help. Contact our team today for expert care and personalized treatment plans to protect your oral health and support your overall well-being.
