Your heart is crucial to your overall health and function. It circulates blood throughout your body after all, and that’s pretty important! However, one connection that many people aren’t aware of is the connection between your heart health and oral health. Even though you would think that your mouth would have little to no impact on your cardiovascular system, that’s actually not the case. Read on to learn more about the connection between tooth loss, dental implants, and your heart health.
How Can Tooth Loss Affect Your Heart Health?
Whether you’re missing one tooth, all of your teeth, or any number in between, untreated tooth loss can indeed have an impact beyond your oral health. Leaving gaps in your smile can cause surrounding teeth to shift over time, leading to bite problems and poor nutrition.
One of the most direct connections between tooth loss and heart health is that missing teeth can put you at a higher risk of developing gum disease. This is an oral infection that originates in the pockets of the gums and is caused by the build-up of plaque, tartar, and bacteria. If not treated in a timely manner, the bacteria can spread to other parts of the body, such as the heart, through the bloodstream. This can lead to a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular health issues.
How Can Dental Implants Benefit Your Heart Health?
Unlike other forms of tooth replacement that are designed to sit atop the gumline, dental implants are the only treatment that restores both the root and crown structure of missing teeth. The implants are able to fuse with the jawbone when inserted below the gumline, allowing them to provide necessary stimulation as well as act as a strong anchoring foundation for any type of restoration to be attached to. This also prevents surrounding teeth from shifting out of place as well as further tooth loss.
Dental implants are able to restore a majority of your original bite power, allow you to eat a greater variety of foods, and reduce your risk of health conditions related to tooth loss, such as gum disease and heart conditions. Due to their leading-edge design and outstanding benefits, when you invest in dental implants, you’re taking a proactive approach to looking after your smile and your heart.
Is It Possible for Patients with Heart Conditions to Get Dental Implants?
If you have a heart condition already and are considering getting dental implants, you’ll want to coordinate your care between your cardiologist, primary care physician, and implant dentist in Irving. Together, they will evaluate you for anesthesia tolerance, bleeding risk, and make sure that you’re safe to undergo the process with the medications you’re on.
While dental implants offer a variety of unique benefits for your confidence and oral health, it’s important to also consider the cascading benefits to your heart health. Even though they may have a higher up-front price tag than traditional dentures or bridges, they offer a world of advantages to your overall well-being.
About the Author
Dr. Rafiq Hirji has over a decade of experience and advanced training in dental implants. As such, he’s able to place and restore dental implants from the comfort of one high-tech office. He’s also certified in Level 2 sedation, helping his patients feel comfortable and calm during their procedures. For questions or to schedule a consultation and learn whether you’re a candidate for dental implants, visit Daily Smiles MacArthur Dental & Orthodontics’ website or call 972-546-4114.