Heart and Dental Health

"Health Begins in the Mouth": What You Need to Know About the Link Between Oral and Dental Health and the Heart

Dr. Serap Özdamar, Specialist in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, draws attention to the vital connection between oral health and heart disease.

Stating that oral health is an inseparable part of general health, Dr. Serap Özdamar, Specialist in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, emphasises that this is even more critical for individuals with heart disease.

Neglecting your oral health can mean putting your heart at risk

Dr. Özdamar says that oral health is of even greater importance in children with congenital heart disease and in adults with heart valve disease or a pacemaker. "Decayed teeth and gum diseases can be a source of bacteria that appear harmless in the mouth but can enter the bloodstream and settle in a weak area of the heart. This can lead to a serious infection called 'infective endocarditis', which affects the heart valves," she warns.

Focal infections can progress insidiously

Noting that infections in the mouth do not always cause only local problems, Dr. Özdamar points out that these foci can spread through the body as 'focal infection':
"While a person is healthy, these foci may remain silent. But when the immune system is weakened, for example in the case of a heart condition, these sources of microorganisms can enter the blood or the lymphatic system and cause very serious complications."

Gum disease can increase the risk of heart attack

Scientific research also supports Dr. Özdamar's words. Studies show that gum inflammation, tooth loss and other oral diseases may increase the risk of coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis and heart attack.
"Studies carried out in recent years reveal that tooth decay and gum diseases do not merely cause aesthetic or local health problems, but may also be linked to life-threatening risks such as heart attack and stroke," says Dr. Özdamar, underlining the importance of oral care.

Oral and dental health is not only an aesthetic matter; it is an indispensable foundation for general health.
If you are looking for an experienced dentist in Istanbul, it is very important to consult specialists who take into account the risks associated with systemic conditions such as heart disease.

Periodontal diseases, that is, gum diseases, can lead to serious complications both in the mouth and in the body if they are not treated at an early stage. For this reason, having your oral and dental health check-ups regularly can be one way of protecting your heart health as well.

These conditions, which are directly related to heart health, can today be diagnosed early by many dentists and managed with appropriate treatment methods.

Brushing your teeth also protects your heart

So what should be done? Dr. Özdamar makes simple but effective recommendations:
"Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, using dental floss and visiting the dentist for a check-up every 6 months helps protect not only your oral health but also your heart health. Thanks to early diagnosis, measures can be taken before serious problems occur in either oral or heart health."

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