There is a link between oral health and heart disease. Bad oral health can trigger inflammation and cause bacteria to spread, increasing your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
According to the World Health Organization, untreated dental caries in permanent teeth is the most common health condition worldwide. Severe periodontal (gum) disease also affects one billion people worldwide. An oral disease could increase your risk of chronic health conditions like cardiovascular disease.
What exactly is the link between oral health and heart disease, and how can you reduce your gum disease and heart risk? Prioritizing dental care for seniors by brushing and flossing could protect your overall health. However, that's only the start.
Read on to learn more about the link between aging and cardiovascular health. With these tips, you can improve your overall wellness during your retirement in Chippewa Falls, WI.
There is a link between brushing and heart health. According to Harvard Health Publishing, people with poor oral health (such as tooth loss and gum disease) have higher rates of cardiovascular problems like stroke and heart attack than those with good oral health.
There are numerous theories regarding the link between gum disease and heart risk. For example, gingivitis and periodontitis cause bacteria in the mouth to spread to blood vessels throughout the body.
This can cause inflammation and damage. Tiny blood clots may form, potentially leading to a heart attack or stroke.
The body's natural immune response, inflammation, may cause vascular damage throughout the body.It could damage the heart and brain.
Lifestyle factors, like smoking, can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease and gum disease. There are also genetic contributions to both disorders (like a lack of exercise) that may increase your risk of both.
According to a study on oral health and coronary heart disease, there's a link between tooth loss and coronary heart disease.Tooth loss is a measure of poor oral health.
According to the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, the likelihood of a first heart attack is 28% for people with gum disease. These people are three times more likely to suffer a stroke involving blood vessels at the back of the brain.
Having tooth decay or an oral infection during childhood could increase the risk of clogged arteries in adulthood. Having poor oral health may increase your risk of other health conditions, such as pancreatic cancer or rheumatoid arthritis. Consult a doctor to determine your risk of these conditions.
Making changes to your lifestyle may help protect your oral and heart health. Habits that may increase your risk of heart failure include:
Explore your senior living community's dining program before adjusting your diet. You can find healthy, nutritious dishes that may benefit your heart health. Your doctor may recommend the DASH diet, which was named the "Best Heart-Healthy Diet" and "Best Diet for High Blood Pressure" in 2025 by the US News & World Report.
Living a sedentary lifestyle may increase your risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions. Explore your senior living community's fitness program for exercise classes. Aim for 150 minutes of aerobic activity and two strength training sessions a week.
Stress triggers the body's immune response, which can cause chronic inflammation and cortisol. Cortisol may increase your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Use yoga, meditation, or hobbies to relieve stress.
To improve your oral health (and potentially, your heart health), try:
Consult your dentist for personalized recommendations. According to the American Heart Association, people who floss have a lower rate of:
Common signs of bad oral hygiene include:
Inform your dentist if you experience these symptoms. They'll assess your teeth and gums to determine the best course of treatment. Beginning treatment can help you avoid potential complications (like an infection).
Potential complications that may occur due to bad oral hygiene include:
Symptoms of heart failure include:
Inform your doctor if you experience these symptoms. For some patients, symptoms develop quickly. In other cases, they can occur over weeks or months.
To recap, what's the connection between bad oral health and heart disease? Poor oral health may cause inflammation or the spread of bacteria, which could cause a stroke or heart attack. Prioritize brushing and heart health strategies to reduce your risk of complications.
You can improve your Chippewa Falls senior wellness by moving into a senior living community. Look no further than LakeHouse Chippewa Falls, which proudly ranks number one in Customer Satisfaction Among Assisted Living & Memory Care Communities in the JD Power 2025 US Senior Living Satisfaction Study.
Enjoy our relaxing gardens, on-site amenities like our library and wellness center, or engaging activities like guest speakers and movie nights. Contact us now to schedule your tour.