New research shows the latest benefit of frequent teeth brushing: a significantly reduced risk of cardiac conditions that impact millions of Americans. Dr. Salvior Mok, a Cardiothoracic Surgeon with ThedaCare Cardiovascular Care, discusses how simply maintaining a healthy smile could be a key to a healthy heart.
A Game-Changing Discovery
A study recently published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology concludes there is a likely link between improved oral hygiene and a decreased risk of heart disease. The study notes, “healthier oral hygiene by frequent tooth brushing and professional dental cleaning may reduce risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib) and heart failure.”
Researchers quantified their results, noting tooth brushing three or more times a day was linked with lowering your chances of developing AFib by 10% and reducing your risk of heart failure by 12%.
“Those are significant findings,” Dr. Mok says. “They can give heart patients and those at risk of heart disease new hope.”
Prevention Without Medication
Dr. Mok says routine teeth brushing is a good habit for people concerned with their heart health.
“It’s a non-medicated way to prevent and possibly better control heart disease,” she says. “Doctors have long known that the bacteria in our mouths matters in maintaining our health. Too much or little may alter our health for better or worse.”
The connection between oral and cardiovascular health is well-established.
One study found a connection with oral bacteria, blood clots, and stroke. Additional research shows severe gum disease could lead to a significantly higher risk of hypertension. Another study showed that removing good oral bacteria from the mouth could impact blood pressure levels and even lead to hypertension.
At least 2.7 million Americans have AFib, an irregular heartbeat that could lead to blood clots, stroke, and other heart-related complications. Heart failure is defined as an inefficiently pumping heart. This results in fatigue, shortness of breath, and coughing. More than 5.8 million people in the U.S. live with the condition.
“These are two serious heart conditions that are normally managed with medication,” Dr. Mok says. “This new research and additional evidence confirm the benefits of brushing your teeth often and how a simple daily habit can make all the difference with your heart health.”
Study Specifics
The findings of this latest research were the result of scientists examining data from more than 161,000 people who were part of a Korean health screening cohort. Participants ranged in age from 40 to 79 years old and had no history of either AFib or heart failure. After about 10 years, follow-up exams showed nearly 5,000 people developed AFib, and almost 8,000 people were diagnosed with heart failure. Researchers noticed a pattern in oral hygiene and noted that “poor oral hygiene can provoke transient bacteremia and systemic inflammation, a mediator of atrial fibrillation and heart failure.”
Still, researchers say there’s a need for more research.
“Nevertheless, it’s never too early to start a good oral hygiene habit,” Dr. Mok says. “People at risk for heart disease, especially, should feel empowered by these findings. They should consider increasing how often they brush their teeth each day. It’s just another way to be good to your heart and overall health.”
Want to be more proactive about your heart health? Learn about in-person and online cardiovascular screenings offered through ThedaCare.
