Can Poor Oral Hygiene Cause Heart Disease?

Can Poor Oral Hygiene Cause Heart Disease?

Poor oral hygiene, such as not brushing or flossing regularly, may not be the primary cause of heart disease, but it can significantly affect heart health.

Bacteria on the teeth and gums can enter your bloodstream and attach to fatty plaques in your arteries, increasing the risk of inflammation and plaque rupture. If a plaque ruptures and forms a blood clot, it can block a blood vessel, leading to a heart attack or stroke.

Additionally, gum inflammation caused by poor oral hygiene can also lead to inflammation in other parts of the body, including your arteries, which can elevate the risk of heart disease.

Therefore, regardless of whether you have heart disease, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits, including:

• Brushing your teeth at least twice a day.
• Flossing after meals.
• Replacing your toothbrush at least every three months.
• Having regular dental check-ups.