Barrie Dentist - Dr. Steve Mocrae Dentistry

Dentist in Barrie, ON
Call Today! (705) 737-2050

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Dr. Steve Mocrae Dentistry Scholarship Award
  • For Patients
    • New Patients
    • Visiting Our Dental Office
    • Dental Coverage FAQs
    • Non-Insured Health Benefits (First Nations and Inuit)
    • Healthy Smiles Ontario Program
    • Ontario Works Adult Dental Emergency Program
    • Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
  • Children’s Visits
  • Our Services
    • General Dentistry
      • Family Dentistry
      • Children’s Dentistry
      • Dental Cleaning
      • Periodontal (Gum) Therapy
      • Gingivectomy
    • Restorative Dentistry
      • Dental Bridges
      • Porcelain Crowns
      • Root Canals
      • Dental Implants
      • Dentures
      • Denture Relines
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • Laser Teeth Whitening
      • Take Home Teeth Whitening
      • Porcelain Veneers
    • Orthodontics
      • Orthodontics For Adults
      • Orthodontics For Children
    • Wisdom Teeth Extraction
    • Emergency Dental Care
  • Dental Health Issues
    • Why Some People Get More Cavities Than Others
    • Gum Recession
    • Gum Disease
    • Halitosis (Bad Breath)
  • Dental Health Tips
    • Does Your Diet Impact Your Oral Health?
    • Piercings and Dental Problems
    • Dental Cleaning
    • Brushing and Flossing
    • Facts About Dentures
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

Why Oral Hygiene Is Good for Your Heart

October 26, 2014 By Dr. Steve Mocrae & Associates

Gum disease is correlated with heart disease

For years, doctors were puzzled by an apparent link between rates of gum disease and heart disease. Finally, a consensus report published in both dental and cardiovascular trade journals brought together all the evidence and came to the following conclusions:

  • The link is real. Gum disease is indeed a risk factor leading to heart disease. Even when age, sugar consumption, economic status and other related factors are removed, gum disease still appears to increase the risk of heart disease.
  • Strokes, heart failure, and artery hardening are all linked to infected gums. Hardened arteries that are even as far away as the calves may be related to gum disease.
  • It is more likely that gum disease is causing heart disease than vice versa. The exact mechanism linking the two health problems is still not known, but several plausible theories are currently being tested. Many scientists have postulated that infections in the gums interfere with the brain’s blood supply. This both increases the risk of stroke and forces the heart and arteries all around the body to work harder to keep blood circulating. Others think that gum disease, by causing an inflammatory response, indirectly causes arterial hardening. By comparison, there are few if any explanations for how gum disease might cause heart disease.
  • Some scientists believe there is also a psychological cause. Taking care of your teeth increases confidence and self-esteem. These in turn decrease stress, quite possibly the greatest cause of heart disease. The act of taking care of oneself can also become a habit, strengthening the will and making it easier to resist high-cholesterol foods.

Although not definitive, the evidence certainly points strongly to the idea that healthy gums lead to healthier hearts. A good regimen of flossing, brushing, and using mouthwash will not only improve your breath and prevent pain, but also help keep your heart happy for years to come.

Filed Under: Oral Health, Prevention Tagged With: Oral Hygiene

Information Shortcuts

  • Dental Coverage FAQs
  • Emergency Dental Care
  • Privacy Policy

Office Hours

Sunday, Monday & Tuesday – Closed

Wednesday – 8:00am – 5:00pm

Thursday – 8:00am – 5:00pm

Friday – 8:00am – 5:00pm

Saturday – 8:00am – 5:00pm

Follow us!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Contact Us

Dr. Steve Mocrae Dentistry

Kozlov Shopping Centre
400 Bayfield Street
Barrie, ON L4M 5A1

(705) 737-2050
contactus@stevemocrae.com