Preventative Treatment of Heart Problems Through Improving Oral Health Aurora, CO
Many people do not realize that heart problems and dental issues are linked together as part of the oral health connection. In reality, all body systems are interconnected, meaning what happens in one often reflects (or affects) the other. As a result, preventing heart problems may start with improving oral health.
A total oral health doctor can help you better understand the oral health connection and treat your unique and individual needs. At Southland Smiles, we can help you prevent heart problems through improving your oral health. We are proud to serve Aurora and the surrounding area. Call us today at (720) 599-2961 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services.
Blood Pressure Screening During a Wellness Visit
Patients can have a blood pressure screening during a wellness visit with a complete health dentist. These routine dental appointments offer patients the ability to check their blood pressure about every six months. This screening establishes the patient's baseline blood pressure and alerts our team of other issues, such as hypertension or high anxiety.
Taking a patient's blood pressure is a crucial part of understanding their overall health. It is a crucial part of complete health dentistry, which focuses on the connection between oral and overall health. This important health check also offers the opportunity to understand overall health changes since many people see their dentist more often than their physician.
“This screening establishes the patient’s baseline blood pressure and alerts our team of other issues, such as hypertension or high anxiety.”
Adjusting Treatment For Patients With Heart Problems
If a patient has heart problems, our team will adjust their treatment plan to keep them safe. For example, patients with hypertension will need dental treatment that does not interfere with antihypertensive medications. We may also reduce or avoid local anesthetic formulations containing substances that cause the blood vessels to constrict.
This precaution will help prevent cardiovascular stimulation, such as increased heart rate or blood pressure. Patients with extremely high blood pressure may need to consult with their primary care physician before seeking dental treatment. Our team tailors each patient's treatment plan to their unique needs.
“Patients with extremely high blood pressure may need to consult with their primary care physician before seeking dental treatment.”
The Importance of the Oral Health Connection
Total oral health dentistry is a collaborative effort between the patient and the doctor, meaning the patient must also take an active role in their care. Part of this is being forthcoming about their medical history and pre-existing conditions. As oral health and heart health exist in correlation, it is only natural for patients with heart conditions to require adjustments to their dental care.
Patients with heart conditions are often on medications or have other vulnerabilities that may cause complications during dental procedures. All of these factors can negatively affect the dental treatment process, potentially causing further heart problems or other medical emergencies. Even if a patient experiences an emergency for an unrelated reason, our team will only be able to provide optimal care if we know the full extent of an individual's unique medical history and pre-existing conditions. Otherwise, there is a risk of further aggravating the situation.
“As oral health and heart health exist in correlation to each other, it is only natural that patients with heart conditions may require adjustments to their dental care.”
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Warning Signs of Heart Problems
Our team will watch for symptoms of heart problems. Inflammation in the gums and loose teeth can be warning signs of heart disease. The bacteria present in patients with gum disease can travel through the bloodstream to the heart and contribute to coronary artery disease. The bacteria may also increase the risk of clot formation or plaque building up in the arteries, interfering with heart blood flow.
Some signs of gum disease that can result in heart issues include:
- Red, swollen, and sore gums
- Gums that bleed easily
- Pus or other signs of infection in the gums and teeth
- Receding gum lines
- Persistent bad breath or taste in the mouth
“Inflammation in the gums and loose teeth can be warning signs of heart disease.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Why does my dentist need to know about my heart problems?
Q. Why should patients have a blood pressure screening during a wellness visit?
Q. How do complete health dentists adjust treatment for patients with heart problems?
Q. What are some symptoms that are warning signs of health problems?
Q. What other body systems are related to heart health?
People Also Ask
Q. Why is preventative care important? How can it save you money?
Q. Why is it important to find the right general dentist?
Q. What are the risks of abnormal blood pressure?
Q. What is the link between heart disease and oral health?
Q. What family members may need extra help with their oral hygiene?
Systems Related to Heart Health
The heart works closely with other systems in the body to keep it functioning. Due to this interconnectedness, heart problems can have a significant adverse effect on the related systems. Heart health can affect the respiratory system since the heart and the lungs are closely connected. They work together to ensure that the cells in the body receive the oxygen necessary to live. If the heart becomes diseased or damaged due to poor oral health, it can affect the lungs and impair breathing.
The heart is also an integral part of the cardiovascular system, impacting all the other body systems. The cardiovascular system and the respiratory system work together to supply the body with oxygen and nutrients. Poor oral health can result in issues that increase the risk of heart disease. If harmful oral bacteria reaches the heart, it can result in greater health issues such as endocarditis, clogged arteries, and stroke.
“The heart works closely with other systems in the body to keep it functioning.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How is proper oral hygiene critical for heart health?
A. Caring for oral health is a crucial part of maintaining heart health. People should brush their teeth twice each day, floss every day, and have regular dental check-ups. These preventative actions can help people maintain good oral health and positively impact blood pressure and lower the risk of heart problems.
Q. What is normal blood pressure?
A. Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the artery walls. It is measured using the systolic blood pressure when the heart beats, and diastolic blood pressure when the heart is resting. A normal blood pressure reading is lower than 120/80 mmHg.
Q. How often should I have a wellness visit?
A. Typically, people should have a wellness visit about once to twice a year. The optimal appointment frequency will vary for each person. People with more dental issues may have to schedule visits more frequently to maintain their oral health.
Q. What is the difference between a complete health dentist and a regular dentist?
A. Complete health dentists focus on the connection between oral and overall health. We look at the patient's entire body when treating dental problems. This approach differs from regular dentists who only focus on dental health and treating and diagnosing issues related to the teeth, gums, jaws, and areas of the neck and head.
Q. What is high blood pressure?
A. High blood pressure is when the force of the blood flowing through blood vessels is too high. Various factors can contribute to high blood pressure, but one of them is poor oral health. Plaque and harmful bacteria can build up and lead to gum disease which has a connection to raised blood pressure.
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Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
A total oral health dentistry doctor can help you maintain both your oral and heart health. We at Southland Smiles may be able to help. Call us today at 720-599-2961 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
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