There's a direct link between oral health and heart disease since bacteria in the mouth can get into other parts of the body and cause inflammation, which raises your risk of heart disease. You can prevent this by practicing good oral hygiene, seeing a dentist regularly, and treating dental problems early.
The CDC reports that heart disease is the leading cause of death for Americans. This may make you want to be more aware of heart disease prevention, and naturally, this should lead you to cardiovascular health practices.
But there are bigger things at play than just your heart itself. Seniors in Burlington, NC, would be surprised to know that oral health and heart disease are closely linked. By taking care of the former, you can alleviate the latter.
As many people know, the mouth is full of bacteria. Normally, the gums and teeth are healthy, which isn't a problem.
But if the gums are unhealthy or your teeth become infected, then the bacteria in your mouth can enter the bloodstream. This can affect the rest of your body, including your heart.
Gum disease and heart risk have a direct correlation due to chronic inflammation. This irritates the blood vessels and contributes to the buildup of plaque in the arteries (a process known as atherosclerosis).
When this happens, it's harder for blood to flow. As a result, this increases the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems.
Older adults are particularly at risk because, as we age, the immune system becomes less efficient. It's harder to fight infections, including those in the mouth. In addition, many seniors take medications that cause dry mouth, so bacteria can grow more easily.
If the gum disease or tooth infections grow, this puts added stress on the heart. This is particularly true for those who already have high blood pressure, diabetes, or a history of heart disease.
The good news is that you can significantly reduce inflammation and infection by taking a few simple steps. They include:
Taking care of your overall health through things like strength training can help, too. Plus, it can help you maintain independence, which can lead to a better overall quality of life.
You might not feel a direct connection, but there are certain signs that may suggest a dental problem is stressing your heart. For example, the following can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream and contribute to inflammation in the heart and blood vessels:
Red flags are:
Make sure you treat dental issues promptly; if you're in assisted living, let the staff know about any issues. This can help reduce strain on your immune system and lower your risk of heart-related complications.
In the majority of cases, it's not too late to fix your oral health, even if you're an older adult. You can still benefit greatly from treating:
The good news is that modern dentistry offers a lot of options for treatment, including:
These can all restore comfort, function, and confidence.
Keeping up with senior wellness habits for heart-healthy hygiene can also make eating easier and improve nutrition. Even small steps like better daily cleaning and regular dental visits can lead to significant improvements in your oral health and overall well-being.
Poor oral health can lead to many things, and not just issues with your teeth and gums. It can impact your entire body.
As we've said earlier, if you leave gum disease and dental infections untreated, then harmful bacteria can enter the bloodstream. This increases the risk of serious conditions, such as:
Gum disease can also lead to chronic inflammation, and this is linked to diabetes complications. It can also make existing health conditions harder to manage.
In addition, if you lose your teeth and/or have mouth pain, it can be difficult to chew food. This can then lead to poor nutrition and unintended weight loss.
What's alarming is that early signs of heart failure can be subtle and sometimes mistaken for normal aging in seniors. So it's important to know the early warning signs. Here are three:
Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly slow progression and improve your comfort, as well as help you maintain independence and quality of life.
A dentist can't diagnose you with heart disease, but they can sometimes spot warning signs that suggest that you're at a higher risk. For example, the following are associated with a higher likelihood of heart problems:
If they see these issues, they may recommend that you talk to your primary care doctor or cardiologist.
Oral health and heart disease are closely linked, so aging and prevention are of the utmost importance.
The next time you have oral health issues, don't ignore them. See your dentist promptly, and continue seeing them regularly to ensure that your oral health is in the best shape possible. This can be an actual lifesaving move!
At Home Place of Burlington, we have exclusive lifestyle programs, such as Expressions Concierge and Impressions Housekeeping, that make every resident feel pampered in their daily lives. Get in touch with us today to get more information about senior living in Burlington, NC.