For years, dental health was seen as a matter of comfort and appearance. Today, leading research confirms that oral hygiene is deeply connected to cardiovascular wellness. As a heart surgeon serving the Westwood area, Dr. Maria Tehrani encourages patients to view their dental routine not just as a way to maintain a bright smile but as a vital pillar of overall heart health.
Understanding the Link
Poor oral health—especially gum disease (periodontitis)—has a profound effect on the entire body. Harmful bacteria thriving in the mouth can enter the bloodstream through inflamed gums or untreated cavities. Once circulating, these microbes and the resulting inflammation can reach the heart, triggering or worsening cardiovascular conditions.
Scientific research shows strong associations between untreated gum disease and increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events. Periodontal disease can initiate chronic, low-level inflammation throughout the body, which accelerates the buildup of plaque in the arteries—a process known as atherosclerosis. In severe instances, oral bacteria may cause infective endocarditis, a dangerous infection of the heart’s lining or valves, especially in those with pre-existing heart issues or artificial heart valves.
How Dental Issues Influence Heart Risk
The mechanisms connecting dental health with heart disease are multifaceted. One key factor is systemic inflammation. Chronic gum infections lead to persistent inflammation, which doesn’t remain confined to the mouth. Instead, the immune system’s response can spread through the body, causing blood vessel damage and increasing the likelihood of clot formation.
Secondly, oral bacteria connected with periodontitis have actually been found within the plaques that narrow arteries far from the mouth. This is a strong indicator that oral infections play a direct role in the progression of heart disease.
There’s also the role of lifestyle and social factors—those who smoke, eat poorly, or lack consistent access to dental and medical care are at increased risk for both oral disease and cardiovascular problems.
Evidence from Medical Research
Decades of medical evidence have tracked higher rates of heart disease in people with poor dental health. People with periodontal disease are significantly more likely to develop coronary artery disease and experience heart attacks even after accounting for other risk factors.
A growing number of studies show that managing gum disease and prioritizing dental hygiene lowers biological markers of cardiovascular risk. While large-scale clinical trials are ongoing to confirm direct causal links, experts agree that the overlap between oral health and heart health warrants serious attention.
Practical Steps for Protecting Your Heart and Smile
Dr. Maria Tehrani recommends the following habits for her Westwood patients who want to support their heart health through better oral hygiene:
– Brush for two minutes, twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
– Floss thoroughly every day to remove plaque and debris between teeth.
– Schedule regular dental checkups and professional cleanings.
– Eat a heart-friendly diet full of fresh vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, limiting sugar and processed foods.
– Avoid tobacco products and moderate alcohol intake, as both dramatically elevate risks for oral and cardiovascular disease.
– Address stress with healthy practices such as regular exercise, yoga, or meditation, which have benefits for both dental and heart health.
Special Considerations for Heart Patients
Oral health takes on added importance for those living with heart conditions or recovering from cardiac surgery. Oral infections can seriously compromise recovery or trigger cardiac complications, including dangerous infections of heart valves. Collaboration between Dr. Tehrani and local dentists ensures a customized care plan for each patient, especially after surgery or intervention.
Why Proactive Dental Care is Essential
For Westwood residents, diligent dental care supports lifelong cardiovascular health. Addressing dental issues early—through daily routines and regular professional visits—means less inflammation, fewer bacteria entering the bloodstream, and a lower risk of heart disease. By viewing dental care as part of a comprehensive approach to wellness, patients build lasting defenses against some of the most serious health risks they may face.
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Oral health is more than a beautiful smile—it is a gateway to a healthy heart and a longer, fuller life. Dr. Maria Tehrani encourages everyone in Westwood, CA, to work with their dentist and medical professionals to ensure oral hygiene supports every aspect of their health journey.
