Are you skipping this daily habit? Scientists say it could put your heart at risk
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We all know that brushing and flossing are key to keeping our teeth clean and our gums healthy.
But what if those everyday habits were doing more than just protecting your smile?
Researchers are now paying closer attention to a surprising link between your oral hygiene and something even more vital—your heart.
At The GrayVine, we believe staying healthy starts with staying informed.
That’s why we’re taking a closer look at the lesser-known connection between your mouth and your heart—and why maintaining good dental habits might be more important than ever.
Taking care of your teeth isn’t just about fresh breath or keeping cavities away.
According to scientists like Dr. Steven Kerrigan, poor oral hygiene can lead to inflammation throughout the body, including the heart.
That’s because harmful bacteria from gum disease can travel from your mouth into your bloodstream.
Once there, this inflammation can affect the lining of your blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart-related conditions—including atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), heart attacks, and even strokes.
In some cases, bacteria from the mouth may even cause infective endocarditis, a dangerous infection of the heart's inner lining or valves.
This isn’t just theory—several studies confirm the connection.
Research has shown that people with gum disease are significantly more likely to develop heart disease.
In fact, many cardiologists now ask about oral health during routine checkups.
As we age, our risk for both heart and gum disease increases.
Medications, dry mouth, and weakened immune responses can make it harder to keep our mouths clean.
That’s why oral hygiene becomes even more important with time.
The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your life.
Just a few small steps can help lower your risk of heart complications:
While everyone should pay attention to oral hygiene, some people need to be extra careful:
Caring for your mouth is one of the simplest ways to support your overall health.
You don’t need fancy tools or expensive treatments—just consistency and awareness.
And now that we know how closely the mouth and heart are connected, those two minutes of brushing each day may matter more than ever.
At The GrayVine, we believe in sharing small steps that lead to big impact.
So if you’ve been putting off that dental visit or skipping floss a little too often, consider this a friendly nudge: your heart will thank you!
Read next: Is invisible fat hiding in your muscles? Here’s how it may be affecting your heart—no matter your size
Have you ever been surprised by a connection between dental and overall health? Do you have any tips or routines that help you stay on top of oral hygiene as you age? Have you or someone you know experienced heart issues linked to gum disease? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
But what if those everyday habits were doing more than just protecting your smile?
Researchers are now paying closer attention to a surprising link between your oral hygiene and something even more vital—your heart.
At The GrayVine, we believe staying healthy starts with staying informed.
That’s why we’re taking a closer look at the lesser-known connection between your mouth and your heart—and why maintaining good dental habits might be more important than ever.
Taking care of your mouth may play a bigger role in heart health than many people realize. Image Source: Pexels / Towfiqu barbhuiya.
Why brushing your teeth may matter more than you think
Taking care of your teeth isn’t just about fresh breath or keeping cavities away.
According to scientists like Dr. Steven Kerrigan, poor oral hygiene can lead to inflammation throughout the body, including the heart.
That’s because harmful bacteria from gum disease can travel from your mouth into your bloodstream.
Once there, this inflammation can affect the lining of your blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart-related conditions—including atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), heart attacks, and even strokes.
In some cases, bacteria from the mouth may even cause infective endocarditis, a dangerous infection of the heart's inner lining or valves.
Also read: Warning: What your feet reveal about your heart health
What science says about the mouth-heart link
This isn’t just theory—several studies confirm the connection.
Research has shown that people with gum disease are significantly more likely to develop heart disease.
In fact, many cardiologists now ask about oral health during routine checkups.
As we age, our risk for both heart and gum disease increases.
Medications, dry mouth, and weakened immune responses can make it harder to keep our mouths clean.
That’s why oral hygiene becomes even more important with time.
Also read: Is your toothache a heart attack warning? Discover these shocking signs you can’t afford to ignore!
7 simple ways to care for your mouth—and protect your heart
The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your life.
Just a few small steps can help lower your risk of heart complications:
- Brush twice a day—but not immediately after eating: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Wait at least 30 minutes after eating, especially if you’ve had something acidic, to avoid damaging your enamel.
- Floss daily: Flossing removes plaque and food from between your teeth, helping to prevent gum disease and bacteria from entering your bloodstream.
- Visit your dentist regularly: Schedule cleanings and exams at least twice a year. Your dentist can catch early signs of gum problems before they become serious.
- Don’t ignore bleeding gums: If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, it could be a warning sign. Talk to your dentist—early treatment can prevent bigger issues later.
- Stay hydrated: Dry mouth increases your risk of gum disease. Drink water often, and if you take medications that cause dryness, mention it to your doctor or dentist.
- Watch your medications: Some prescriptions can impact oral health. Ask your doctor if any of your medications could be affecting your teeth or gums.
- Eat a heart-healthy diet: Choose foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, and antioxidants. Limit sugar, which feeds harmful bacteria.
Also read: New study links everyday chemical to heart disease—what you should know
Clearing up common myths
- “My teeth look fine, so my mouth must be healthy.”: Gum disease often starts silently. Regular checkups help spot problems before you see or feel them.
- “The harder I brush, the better.”: Not true. Brushing too hard can damage your gums and enamel. Use gentle, circular motions.
- “Mouthwash is enough.”: Mouthwash can be a helpful addition—but it doesn’t replace brushing and flossing.
Also read: Cardiologists reveal the one type of coffee that's damaging your heart health every day!
Who’s most at risk?
While everyone should pay attention to oral hygiene, some people need to be extra careful:
- People with heart valve problems or prosthetic valves
- Those with congenital heart defects
- Anyone with a history of heart disease or high blood pressure
- People with diabetes, which increases the risk of both gum and heart disease
Caring for your mouth is one of the simplest ways to support your overall health.
You don’t need fancy tools or expensive treatments—just consistency and awareness.
And now that we know how closely the mouth and heart are connected, those two minutes of brushing each day may matter more than ever.
At The GrayVine, we believe in sharing small steps that lead to big impact.
So if you’ve been putting off that dental visit or skipping floss a little too often, consider this a friendly nudge: your heart will thank you!
Read next: Is invisible fat hiding in your muscles? Here’s how it may be affecting your heart—no matter your size
Have you ever been surprised by a connection between dental and overall health? Do you have any tips or routines that help you stay on top of oral hygiene as you age? Have you or someone you know experienced heart issues linked to gum disease? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
