Did you know that up to 50% of heart attacks and strokes are triggered by high-risk oral bacteria? While this might seem surprising, the health of your mouth plays a critical role in preventing life-threatening conditions like heart attacks and strokes. This October, in recognition of Oral Systemic Health Month, we’re shedding light on the powerful connection between oral health and cardiovascular wellness.
At The Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention Center of Central Ohio, led by board-certified cardiologist Dr. Eric Goulder. MD, FACC, we are dedicated to preventing these life-altering events. Our focus is on the root causes of disease-causing inflammation throughout the body, and oral health plays a significant role in that equation.
The Mouth-Heart Connection: More Than Just a Hunch
For decades, research has consistently shown a link between poor oral health and chronic diseases, particularly cardiovascular conditions. Gum disease, caused by harmful bacteria, isn’t just a dental issue affecting 80% of adults over the age of 35—it’s a systemic problem. In fact, up to 50% of heart attacks and strokes are triggered by oral pathogens, proving that your mouth’s health has a direct impact on your heart.
Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss? When bacteria from gum disease enter the bloodstream through bleeding gums, they can inflame the walls of your arteries, contributing to plaque buildup. This process leads to atherosclerosis, a dangerous condition in which artery walls thicken, restricting blood flow and significantly increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
How Oral Bacteria Affects Arterial Wellness
Not all bacteria in your mouth are harmful, but when the bad ones take over, they can wreak havoc on your cardiovascular system. For example, people with gum disease have been found to have twice the amount of small, dense LDL cholesterol—the most dangerous kind—in their bloodstream. This type of cholesterol is far more likely to get trapped in arterial walls, where it forms plaque. Additionally, the chemicals produced by oral bacteria make the artery walls stickier, much like Velcro, allowing cholesterol to more easily adhere and cause dangerous blockages.
Treating Inflammation at the Source
At The Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention Center of Central Ohio, we follow the BaleDoneen Method—a cutting-edge approach to cardiovascular health that targets the root causes of inflammation to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Our partnership with Complete Health Dentistry of Columbus is vital in identifying and addressing oral health issues that contribute to cardiovascular risk.
There are three major root causes of inflammation that can only be effectively treated by a trained dental professional with an oral-systemic approach:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): A condition in which the airway is partially or completely blocked during sleep, leading to interrupted breathing for 10 seconds or more. This condition fragments sleep and reduces oxygen levels, contributing to cardiovascular problems.
Periodontal Disease: Chronic inflammation of the gums caused by high-risk oral bacteria, which plays a significant role in systemic inflammation.
Endodontic Disease: Infections in root canal lesions can spread high-risk bacteria into your bloodstream, increasing cardiovascular risks.
Why Collaboration is Key to Prevention
To offer comprehensive protection against heart attacks and strokes, medical and dental professionals must work together. The collaboration between Dr. Goulder and Dr. McClatchie and her team at Complete Health Dentistry of Columbus is designed to treat both the medical and oral causes of inflammation that often go overlooked.
This collaborative approach allows us to provide a powerful promise: arterial wellness for life. That means no heart attack or stroke while under our care—or your money back.
Take Control of Your Health Today
At The Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention Center of Central Ohio, we’re committed to using a proactive, root-cause approach to safeguard your health. Our partnership with dental professionals ensures that no detail is missed in the prevention of heart attacks and strokes.
Your heart health begins with your mouth. Schedule your appointment today by calling The Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention Center of Central Ohio at (614) 396-8703, and together, let’s ensure your lifelong arterial wellness.
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