How Heart Health and Oral Health Are Connected

When it comes to keeping your heart healthy, the first things that come to mind may be eating a balanced diet and exercising. Those are certainly two important factors in maintaining heart health, but did you know that oral health is connected to heart health?

Most people know that skipping the dentist can put them at risk for cavities or gum disease, but poor oral health can impact your heart health, as well. Research shows that endocarditis (an infection of the inner lining of the heart) typically occurs when bacteria from another part of the body, such as the mouth, spreads through the blood stream and attaches to damaged areas in the heart.

In addition, studies suggest that clogged arteries and stroke may be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral bacteria can cause.

Don’t let poor oral health start to affect other parts of your body. In addition to having regular exams with your dentist, don’t forget to maintain proper dental hygiene at home. This means:

  • Brushing twice a day
  • Flossing once a day
  • Rinsing with mouth wash at least once a day

TruAssureVBA dental plans are administered and underwritten by TruAssure and are offered in association with the DenteMax Plus dental network arrangement, which includes participating dentists from the United Concordia, DenteMax and Connection dental networks in all states but North Carolina, where the DenteMax Plus network arrangement includes DenteMax and Connection dental networks.

The information contained above is intended to be educational in nature, does not constitute medical advice, and should not be relied on as a substitute for actual professional medical advice, care or treatment. If you have any vision, dental or other health related concerns, VBA encourages you to immediately contact your optometrist/ophthalmologist, dentist/orthodontist or any other competent, licensed, medical professional.