Healthy habits like staying active, eating well, and taking care of your teeth are key to maintaining your well-being. But when life picks up speed, it’s easy to let these routines fall to the wayside. Over time, those small lapses start to add up, and the consequences may be surprising. Did you know that gum disease is persistently associated with a higher risk of heart disease and stroke? Because of this connection, flossing and heart health may be more closely linked than you think.
The good news is that flossing is a simple way to help support a healthy heart!
Flossing and Heart Health: Learn the Common Thread
Flossing daily removes plaque and food particles from between the teeth and slightly below the gumline, where a toothbrush can’t reach. This keeps the plaque from hardening into tartar that irritates gums and causes gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. But this simple activity is also associated with a healthier heart!
Research has consistently linked gum disease, or periodontal disease, to cardiovascular diseases like stroke and atrial fibrillation, or aFib.
A study from the American Heart Association found that people who flossed at least once a week had a 44% decreased risk of cardioembolic stroke (which happens when clots originate in the heart).
Even when accounting for lifestyle and underlying health conditions, flossing remains an important behavior for reducing the risk of serious cardiovascular conditions, the study suggests.
Oddly enough, it’s hard to pinpoint what about flossing actually causes this reduction. But we have some theories.
One idea is that inflammation caused by gum disease promotes inflammation and damage in blood vessels, which could increase the risk of heart issues.
How Oral Health Supports Your Overall Well-Being
Moreover, certain behaviors have been shown to affect the body as a whole, impacting both oral and cardiovascular health. Habits like smoking and excess sugar contribute to both gum disease and heart disease.
When you keep your gums healthy, you reduce the risk of losing teeth, which, in turn, helps maintain your ability to chew and eat a wider variety of foods. Healthy teeth are like a key to unlocking a heart-healthy, nutritious diet.
Lastly, taking care of your oral health sets the stage for how you’ll take care of the rest of your body. When you prioritize oral wellness by brushing and flossing, you’re also more likely to devote time each week to staying active, eating right, and getting a good night’s rest.
Healthy Habits for Gum & Heart Disease Prevention
You know that flossing is good for the gums and the heart alike. But it’s not the only habit you should adopt for a healthier smile and overall health.
Here are steps you can take right now to improve your health, for your gums and your heart:
- Brush correctly: Using the right technique makes a difference. Brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums, using circular motions for two minutes each day to remove plaque. This is an essential way to reduce gum inflammation.
- Drink water: Doing so can help rinse away food particles and bacteria in the mouth, support saliva flow, and help your body maintain fluid and salt balance.
- Eat well: A diet low in sugar reduces the risk of plaque buildup. Including lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet can help lower cholesterol and reduce plaque in your arteries.
- Quit smoking: By cutting tobacco, you’ll boost immune response and blood flow to the gums. You’ll also immediately see a reduced risk of heart issues, among many other benefits.
When you take these steps, you’re not just making smart decisions for your smile. You’re also choosing a healthier heart and improving your overall wellness.
Early Gum Treatments To Reduce Risks
If you already have gum disease, treating it early can help prevent further damage.
At the earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis, you might notice your gums bleeding easily and showing signs of irritation. When you come in for a professional cleaning, our hygienists can carefully remove plaque and tartar buildup. Afterward, with careful flossing and brushing, the condition should resolve.
Once it progresses and becomes periodontitis, you’ll need more advanced intervention. For instance, we can perform a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing to carefully remove plaque and tartar below the gumline.
After treating gum disease, you’ll experience reduced gum inflammation, which can help keep your heart healthy and happy.
If you think you have gum disease, take a moment to schedule a free consultation with us, and we will set you on a healthier path.
Learn More About Flossing and Heart Health
Flossing and heart health are intertwined. If you want to improve your oral wellness while reducing the risk of stroke and heart disease, it’s important to establish healthy habits. Simple steps like flossing, drinking water, eating well, and quitting smoking are all steps toward overall wellness and a healthier future. And with early treatment, you could reduce the risks of negative impacts on your heart.
At the Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we believe that oral health unlocks wellness across the board. The common thread between your smile and your heart is you. Learn how to keep both in good condition. Start by scheduling your free consultation.
