Hearts and Halloween

A:It finally happened, and the inevitable chill is in the air with hints of our first seasonal holiday next week. When I think of Halloween, of course, I think of candy and treats galore, and as a healthcare professional, I envision the mounds of junk that everyone will ingest. Relative to dentistry, the amount of sugar will wreak havoc with our oral care. We all know that a cavity’s best friend is sugar. Today, though, I want to focus on another subject that I have previously discussed: heart health and oral health.

Oral health and heart health are interconnected in several ways, and research over the past decade or so suggests that there is a relationship between the two. While the exact nature of this relationship is still being studied, there are some established connections between oral health and heart health:

One of the first relationships to be studied involved gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Research has shown an association between gum disease and heart disease. The inflammation in the gums can release bacteria and toxins into the bloodstream, which may contribute to the development or progression of heart disease. Inflammation is a key factor in developing atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and other cardiovascular issues. Inflammation as the cause of heart disease is a hot theory in the cardiology community.

Some studies have suggested that oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause infections in other parts of the body, including the heart. For example, bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans, associated with dental cavities, have been found in the plaques that narrow the arteries in the heart. When you avoid your semi-annual cleaning and build up plaque and tartar, you forget that these accumulations are filled with toxins and flow through the body.

Some risk factors for both oral health problems and heart disease overlap. These include factors like smoking, obesity, and diabetes. These conditions can increase the risk of oral health issues and heart disease. Keeping this in mind, we try to maximize our oral health by maintaining good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing.

While the relationship between oral health and heart health is becoming clearer, it’s important to note that maintaining good oral health is just one of many factors that contribute to overall heart health. It is all part of a comprehensive approach to cardiovascular health, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and regular medical checkups.

If you are overdue for a cleaning, now is the time to call. We have struggled with staffing since Covid, like many other health agencies. I am happy to say that we are over our hump and can handle your routine checkups like we have done for so many people over many years. Give Nikki a call to schedule your next visit at 440.951.7856. I look forward to meeting you.

Jeffrey Gross, DDS, FAGD, is an Ohio-licensed general dentist and is on the staff of Case Western Reserve School of Dental Medicine.

The Healthy Smile

34586 Lakeshore Boulevard (¼ mile west of Route 91 on Lakeshore Blvd) Eastlake, Ohio 44095 440-951-7856 Severance Medical Arts, Suite 603 5 Severance Center Cleveland Heights, OH 44118 216-371-2333 www.jeffreygrossdds.com