Healthy Mouth, Healthy Heart

When thinking of heart health, exercise, eating heart-healthy foods and managing stress likely come to mind. But did you know your dental hygiene plays a key role in keeping your heart healthy? Brushing your teeth might seem unrelated to preventing heart disease, but it has a stronger connection than you may think. Here’s why it’s time to give both your smile and your heart some extra love.

It’s not just about how your teeth look; it’s about how healthy they are. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, isn’t just about bad breath and swollen gums. Studies show that people with gum disease are at a higher risk of developing heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular issues.

Gum disease is caused by plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth. If untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious condition that causes the gums to pull away from the teeth and bone to recede, forming pockets of infection.

Obstructed Airways: More Than Just Snoring

But it’s not just gum disease that can affect your heart. Snoring can lead to something more serious.

If you’ve ever heard someone snore, you’ve probably noticed how loud and disruptive it can be. But did you know that snoring could be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea? This condition, where the airway becomes blocked during sleep, can also impact your heart health.

When your airway gets obstructed, your body struggles to get enough oxygen, which can increase stress on your heart. In response, your heart rate increases and your blood pressure rises. Over time, this can put a strain on your cardiovascular system, and this increased strain may even lead to heart disease or a stroke if left untreated.

The good news is that you can treat sleep apnea and protect your teeth at the same time. Oral appliances can help with an obstructed airway, leading to better sleep. That’s right—getting better sleep might be one of the best things you can do for both your heart and overall well-being.

We all know how essential breathing is to life, but did you know that how you breathe matters too? Specifically, breathing through your mouth—especially while sleeping—can have negative effects not only on your dental health but also on your heart.

Mouth breathing can lead to a dry mouth, making it easier for harmful bacteria to multiply and cause gum disease. It also reduces the amount of saliva in your mouth, which helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids. A dry mouth is more prone to cavities, bad breath and gum inflammation.

But the risks don’t stop there. Mouth breathing also means you’re likely not getting as much oxygen and nitric oxide as you should, which can affect your overall oxygen levels and put additional strain on your heart. That’s because when you breathe through your nose, the air is filtered and humidified and nitric oxide is produced. Nitric oxide increases blood flow and improves oxygen delivery to vital organs. Mouth breathing bypasses this filter, potentially leading to lower oxygen levels and increased pressure on your cardiovascular system.

1 - Brush and Floss: Brushing with a hydroxyapatite toothpaste and flossing with a thick braided floss will prevent gum disease and reduce inflammation.

2 - Visit the Dentist Regularly: Seeing your dentist for checkups and cleanings multiple times a year is key.

4 - Breathe Through Your Nose: Consciously make an effort to breathe through your nose. Try mouth taping or nasal rinses at night.

5 - Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, exercising and managing stress are all important for both heart and oral health.

A happy heart and a healthy smile go hand in hand. By taking care of your gums and teeth, you’re not just protecting your smile—you’re also safeguarding your heart!

At a young age, Dr. Natalie Shaw had extremely misaligned teeth. In fact, she never smiled in public because she felt so insecure about her appearance. After receiving orthodontic treatment, her life was wholeheartedly changed for the better. She realized she wanted to provide that same lasting happiness to others in need—and the rest is history. Dr. Shaw completed her dental doctorate at Midwestern University, in Glendale. She’s also had a very strong interest in holistic/biomimetic dentistry and regularly pursues continuing education. She is certified in the SMART protocol and Invisalign.