Everyone knows that proper dental hygiene protects your teeth and gums and retains your bright, white smile, but it turns out that issues in the mouth might also be a sign of larger and much more serious health conditions. Increasingly, researchers in the medical community, alongside their counterparts in dentistry, are sounding alarms about these connections. In fact, as the general and cosmetic dentistry professionals at Pearl City and Kahala, HI-based Oahu Dental Care note, it’s well known that there’s a real connection between oral health and heart disease.

So what are the connections between gum and heart health? Let’s take a look:

• Risk Factors: In itself, gum disease is already considered a risk factor for heart disease; in fact, it can be a sign of cardiac and cardiovascular issues as well as strokes. There is also a direct link between clogged arteries in the legs and periodontal disease. Both conditions are related to inflammation, and one is often the sign of the other.
• Correlation/Causation: While there are noted links between the two, periodontal problems do not necessarily mean that you’ll develop heart issues. There are a number of reasons why the two are correlated without having an established causal relationship; tobacco smoking leads to both, for instance, and those with poor periodontal health may not take as good care of themselves, which also contributes to heart disease.
• Ongoing Research: According to WebMD, the science on this subject is still developing, but it’s clear there is some sort of relationship between these conditions. Certainly, collaborative research between dentists and physicians will continue to increase the understanding of both conditions.

Regardless of what’s eventually found about these conditions, though, gum health is absolutely essential, and the folks at this family dental and orthodontist practice are ready to help. Learn more about the caring approach employed at both locations of Oahu Dental Care by visiting their website. When it’s time for a cleaning, a check-up, or a more involved procedure, give the team there a call at (808) 732-2821.