Teeth and Heart Health: The Link Every Senior Should Understand

The various ways teeth and heart health affect each other aren't all clear, but research shows there's a connection. Neglecting your teeth can lead to inflammation and bacteria that strain or inflame your heart.

According to the American Heart Association, heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the US. The latest data shows it takes approximately 2,500 lives every day.That's more than all forms of cancer and accidental death combined.

Cavities, also known as dental caries, are the most prevalent disease in the United States. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data show they're especially common among seniors.

Lowenstein et al., in an article from Frontiers in Dental Medicine, state that 40% of adults aged 65 or olderhave lost a significant amount of teeth. This issue has a deep connection to heart health that's often ignored.

Finding the right home can start your health journey. Senior living in Port Orchard, WA, offers affordable waterfront living. You can enjoy a comfortable atmosphere with friendly, small-town charm.

What Is the Link Between Dental Health and Heart Health?

The connection between teeth and heart health is only one example of how every part of the body is interconnected.

Bacteria from the mouth can easily get into the bloodstream and damage the heart. It leads to clogged arteries and inflammation, raising the risk for:

Heart attacks
Strokes
Infective endocarditis

This isn't the only way that heart and teeth health are connected. It's not only the teeth but the gums that matter.

Gum disease is a prevalent condition. According to the CDC, approximately 42% of adults 30 years or older have gum disease. Approximately 2% have the more severe form, known as periodontitis.

Studies have shown that these problems can lead to heart issues. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) established a link between gum disease and heart risk.

Even poor dental habits when you're young come back to haunt you later. Tooth decay in childhood can increase the risk of clogged arteries in adulthood.

Why Is Good Oral Hygiene Especially Important for Older Adults?

Oral hygiene for seniors is especially crucial because they're at a higher risk of issues such as:

Dry mouth
Gum disease
Oral thrush
Oral cancer

Seniors are also likely to develop systemic or chronic issues worsened by poor oral health. Heart disease is only one of them. Diabetes is another.

Teeth are even connected to the brain. Poor oral health increases the likelihood of cognitive decline and the development of dementia.

One reason for this is that seniors have a weaker immune system. This makes them more susceptible to infections coming in through the mouth, and they'll have a harder time fighting them off.

Seniors also experience reduced saliva as a side effect of certain medications. These include:

Decongestants
Antihistimines
Painkillers
Water pills
Antidepressants

Reduced saliva makes it even more difficult to fight off infections.

How to Improve Teeth and Heart Health

Taking care of seniors' teeth is an important part of aging and wellness.

It helps their self-esteem, which may be affected by the changes of aging. It also ensures they get quality nutrition every day. That gives them the energy to enjoy daily activities and events.

This is why it's important to listen to senior health tips that improve oral health. They also improve overall health. Understanding the connection helps you improve overall senior wellness.

All seniors, including residents of assisted living in Port Orchard, need to maintain a healthy diet. Avoid frequent sugar and acid exposure. These foods erode enamel and feed tooth-destroying bacteria.

Keep up with preventive dental care. Brush twice a day, but remember to do it long enough and not too hard. See your dentist at least once a year.

These visits can also be opportunities for other preventive care. The dentist can take your blood pressure to check for heart issues before they start.

Know your medication side effects. Talk to your doctor about alternatives if any of them limit your saliva production or affect your heart.

Work to break negative habits such as:

Chewing on ice or pens
Smoking
Teeth grinding

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know if My Tooth Is Affecting My Heart?

The link between your mouth and your heart will always be there. However, there are a few clear warning signs to look for.

Look for symptoms of severe gum disease. These include:

Painful or swollen gums
Bad breath
Loose teeth

Check for a connection if you have a throbbing toothache. Pay attention to see if the throbbing matches up with the rhythm of your pulse.

It's also important to note if you have jaw or tooth pain and signs of a potential heart attack at the same time. These include:

Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Cold sweats
Nausea

When Should You Never Brush Your Teeth?

Don't do it immediately after vomiting. You should also wait if you just ate or drank an acidic, such as:

Soda
Sports drinks
Citrus fruits or juices
Sour candies
Wine
Coffee

Acids soften the enamel, making it more vulnerable to damage when you brush. That includes the stomach acid released when you throw up.

Instead, wait 30-60 minutes for the enamel to soften. You can also try rinsing with water or chewing sugarless gum in the meantime.

Why Do Dentists Say You Shouldn't Rinse After Brushing?

You may have heard your dentist recommend using mouthwash, but not immediately after brushing. What's the reason for this recommendation?

The act of using mouthwash after brushing can rinse away the fluoride from your toothpaste. It's a difficult habit to break, but it improves oral health.

Visit Liberty Place for Complete Wellness Today

Teeth and heart health are connected because bacteria from the mouth can travel to the heart, leading to blockages or inflammation. Taking care of both leads to better overall wellness.

Liberty Place is a Port Orchard senior living community. We help residents maintain their independence. At the same time, they'll always know that support is nearby.

We offer assisted living in Port Orchard. We also have two signature programs: Vibrant Life® lets you choose from a range of activities, and Elevate® Dining ensures you get three nutritious, delicious meals a day.

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