Oral health is often viewed as separate from overall well-being, yet research shows a significant link between dental hygiene and cardiovascular health. Poor oral care can negatively affect the heart, increasing the risk of conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and inflammation of the heart lining.
How Oral Health Affects the Heart
Conditions like gum disease and untreated oral infections allow harmful bacteria to multiply in the mouth. These bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body, including the heart. Consulting dentists near me can help detect and treat these issues early. Once there, they may trigger inflammation and contribute to serious health concerns.
Some of the potential outcomes include:
- Infection in the inner lining of the heart (endocarditis)
- Clogged arteries and increased heart attack risk
- Increased likelihood of stroke
While poor dental hygiene alone may not directly cause cardiovascular disease, studies continue to demonstrate a meaningful connection between oral bacteria and heart complications. Additional findings include:
- Individuals with gum disease are 28% more likely to experience a heart attack.
- Poor oral hygiene may increase the risk of HPV infection, which has been associated with cardiovascular issues.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and expanding access to dental care are essential to lowering these health risks.
Oral Health and Heart Disease in Older Adults
Dental health affects the heart throughout life, beginning in childhood. A 2019 study suggested that childhood oral infections could increase the risk of developing clogged arteries in adulthood, demonstrating a long-term connection between early dental care and future heart health.
As people age, oral health complications can become even more severe. Key findings include:
- Adults who lacked access to dental care earlier in life are more likely to develop high blood pressure.
- Those with gum disease face an increased risk of heart attack.
- Older adults with gum disease are up to three times more likely to experience a stroke.
Improving dental access for seniors could help reduce the prevalence of cardiovascular issues and improve long-term health outcomes.
Why Medicare Dental Coverage Matters
Despite strong evidence connecting oral hygiene and heart health, many seniors lack dental care because traditional Medicare does not include dental benefits. Coverage differs greatly among Medicare Advantage plans, leaving many older adults without consistent access to preventive treatment.
Research highlights the benefits of expanding Medicare dental benefits:
- More than 42% of Medicare recipients live with at least one diagnosed heart condition.
- Adding comprehensive dental coverage could save the U.S. health care system up to $27.8 billion annually, particularly for seniors with documented heart disease.
- Savings would grow as more individuals receive gum disease treatment and preventive care.
Additional Approaches to Improve Access
Expanding access to dental care and protecting both oral and heart health can continue through several key strategies:
- Strengthening Medicaid dental benefits for adults
- Expanding teledentistry programs to reduce care barriers
- Increasing medical-dental integration so primary care providers can support oral health
