Neglecting daily brushing and flossing can contribute to hardening of the arteries, according to recent reporting in Scientific American. Though the heart and mouth seem separate, scientific evidence shows they are closely connected.
Food particles trapped between teeth nourish the billions of bacteria that naturally live in the mouth. Within about 20 minutes after eating, these bacteria produce acidic, toxic waste products that irritate the gums. The immune system recognizes those by-products as foreign and responds with inflammation.
Chronic inflammation is a common feature of both gum disease and cardiovascular disease. A simple way to detect inflammation in your mouth is to floss: any bleeding, even slight, indicates inflamed gums.
Regular flossing disrupts bacterial colonies between and around teeth, helping prevent the continual inflammation that follows bacterial buildup. Keeping inflammation in the mouth under control reduces the chance that harmful oral bacteria will enter the bloodstream and contribute to inflammation elsewhere in the body.
Gum disease affects not only the soft tissues but also the supporting bone. When oral infections seed the bloodstream, bacteria that are normally confined to the mouth can travel to blood vessels and organs, triggering systemic inflammation and damage.
Reduce inflammation, and the blood vessels can recover. Address inflammation early, and you improve long-term health and longevity.
Practical steps to reduce inflammation and protect your heart and arteries
Brush three times daily and floss thoroughly once a day.
Consistent, effective oral hygiene is the first defense against chronic oral inflammation. Use proper technique and make flossing a nonnegotiable daily habit.
Adopt a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet.
Avoid oxidized cholesterol that forms in overcooked proteins (for example, charred barbecue). Limit refined sugars and white flour, and reduce foods cooked at very high temperatures. Eliminate trans fats. A diet that stabilizes insulin helps prevent inflammation, since repeated insulin spikes are linked to inflammatory processes.
Take a high-quality, animal-based omega-3 supplement daily.
Omega-3 fatty acids help modulate inflammation and support cardiovascular and overall health.
Optimize your vitamin D status.
Supplementation is recommended regardless of sun exposure, and blood testing is the only way to confirm adequate levels. Correct vitamin D status supports immune balance and may reduce inflammation.
Consider coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10).
CoQ10 is often recommended for both gum health and heart health. A typical supplemental dose many clinicians suggest is at least 100 mg per day, but discuss dosage with your healthcare provider.
Know your triglyceride and HDL levels.
Have these measured annually. Aim for low triglycerides and higher HDL. Understanding and managing these numbers through diet, activity, and medical guidance can substantially reduce cardiovascular risk.
Monitor iron levels.
Men and postmenopausal women should have iron levels checked. Excess iron can promote oxidation and accelerate aging processes, which are tied to increased inflammation.
Oral health is increasingly recognized as an important indicator and contributor to systemic disease. Inflammation in the mouth can signal other serious conditions, and oral infections may worsen or contribute to diseases throughout the body, including heart disease. The same inflammatory processes that link the mouth and heart are also implicated in diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and kidney and liver conditions. While research continues into possible links with other cancers, the connection between oral inflammation and systemic disease is already strong. Isn’t that reason enough to floss?
Seeing your dentist and hygienist at least yearly helps confirm whether your efforts to reduce inflammation are effective. Regular professional exams and cleanings, combined with daily home care, give you the best chance to protect both oral and overall health.
Mark Burhenne DDS
Learn More:What Exactly Is the Mouth-Body Connection?