- With Mayo Clinic cardiologist
Martha Grogan, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Martha Grogan, M.D.
Martha Grogan, M.D.
Dr. Martha Grogan is board-certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular diseases. She is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, and received her medical degree from Northwestern University Medical School. Dr. Grogan has been on staff at Mayo Clinic since 1995 and is a consultant in the Division of Cardiovascular Diseases and is an assistant professor of medicine at Mayo Medical School.
Dr. Grogan is a noninvasive cardiologist specializing in heart failure, adult congenital heart disease and echocardiography. She has witnessed firsthand the importance of patient education in the treatment of diseases such as congestive heart failure and is excited about the tremendous educational opportunities now available through the Internet.
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Question
Heart disease prevention: Does oral health matter?
Will taking care of my teeth help prevent heart disease?
Answer
from Martha Grogan, M.D.
Good oral health is important, but taking care of your teeth isn't a proven way to prevent heart disease.
Poor oral health has been debated as a possible cause of heart disease for many years. In 2012, however, experts from the American Heart Association reviewed the available scientific evidence and concluded that poor oral health hasn't been proved to cause heart disease — and that treating existing gum disease hasn't been proved to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Both gum disease and heart disease involve swelling (inflammation), but swelling of the gums hasn't been proved to contribute to swelling elsewhere in the body. Similarly, the presence of bacteria on the teeth and gums hasn't been shown to directly contribute to heart disease.
Even though oral health isn't a key to heart disease prevention, it's still important to take care of your teeth and gums:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
- Floss your teeth at least once a day.
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months — or sooner if the bristles become frayed.
- See your dentist for regular dental checkups.
If you're concerned about heart disease prevention, ask your doctor about proven ways to reduce your risk — such as stopping smoking and maintaining a healthy weight.
Next questionWhitening toothpaste: Does it whiten teeth?
- Lockhart PB, et al. Periodontal disease and atherosclerotic vascular disease: Does the evidence support an independent association? A scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2012;125:2520.
- Papapanou PN, et al. Periodontitis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: What we know and why it is important. The Journal of the American Dental Association. 2012;143:826.
- Brushing your teeth. American Dental Association. http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/brushing-your-teeth.aspx. Accessed Sept. 27, 2012.
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