Ignoring Bad Teeth Risks Both Oral Health and Heart Disease
It’s easy to think of oral health as separate from the rest of your body—but it’s more connected than most people realize.
Can bad teeth cause heart problems? Unfortunately, research suggests the answer is yes. Studies show that bacteria from gum infections, tooth decay, and even untreated cavities can enter your bloodstream, triggering inflammation that contributes to heart disease and stroke (Tonetti et al., 2013; Lockhart et al., 2012; Sanz et al., 2020).
So if you’ve ever wondered can cavities cause heart problems, science increasingly says they can — not directly, but through chronic inflammation that weakens blood vessels over time.
Meet Floyd, a man who discovered the hard way that the condition of his teeth was more than just a cosmetic concern—it was a ticking time bomb affecting his overall health and well-being.
Floyd's Story: More Than Just a Smile
Two years before finding Nuvia, Floyd was diagnosed with stage 4 heart failure. He had a gut feeling that his deteriorating dental health was a contributing factor. Over the years, he had lost several teeth, and the emotional toll was devastating.
He felt like a lesser person, judged by society for his imperfect smile.
Floyd had tried other dentists but felt like a mere number on a chart. That was until he found Nuvia Dental Implant Center. For the first time, he felt seen, heard, and most importantly, not judged. After he underwent treatment, he found himself smiling freely, no longer hiding behind his hand. His wife, who had never seen him smile, was overjoyed. He was on his way to putting poor oral health and heart disease behind him.
Check out Floyd’s story here on Nuvia TV!
*Actual NUVIA patient(s) who may have been compensated for sharing their story. Not all those who come in for a consultation are eligible for this treatment. Results may vary in individual cases.
Oral Health and Heart Disease - More Connected Than You May Realize
Floyd's story is a wake-up call to all of us. Neglecting dental health doesn't just lead to cavities or gum disease; it can be a gateway to severe health issues like heart disease, osteoporosis, and even Alzheimer's.
The Mayo Clinic reports that oral bacteria and inflammation are directly linked to endocarditis (infection of the heart lining) and can contribute to clogged arteries and stroke risk (Mayo Clinic, 2024).
Similarly, the CDC notes that nearly half of adults over 30 have periodontal disease — a condition that increases cardiovascular disease risk by up to 34% (Eke et al., J Dent Res, 2012).
This means untreated dental issues and heart disease are often intertwined. Even something that seems simple — like tooth decay — can quietly raise cardiovascular risk factors (Sen et al., 2021).
The Heart of the Matter: Cardiovascular Risks
Teeth, health and heart. It’s all connected.
When harmful bacteria from your mouth enter your bloodstream, they can cause swelling and narrow the blood vessels that lead to your heart (Lockhart et al., 2012). This inflammation can reduce oxygen flow and increase the risk of clots, strokes, and heart attacks.
Several studies have shown that heart disease and tooth decay are connected through this inflammatory process. In fact, people with untreated cavities had up to 40% higher stroke risk, especially for ischemic or cardioembolic strokes (Sen et al., 2021).
So yes — cavities cause heart problems in a roundabout but significant way: by fueling chronic inflammation that stresses the cardiovascular system.
The Bone Connection
Bones in the mouth serve to hold your teeth in place. But when infection creeps into the gums or teeth, this can spread into your bones and can weaken them or make them disappear completely.
When you have problems like gum disease, the swelling that happens in the gum tissue can cause you to lose bone in your jaw. And sadly, once you start losing bone in your jaw, it can not be reversed without surgery – Luckily some bone loss doesn’t disqualify from full mouth dental implants.
The problem is, once bone loss begins, the same bacteria and inflammation responsible for it can travel elsewhere — potentially worsening systemic inflammation that affects the heart and other organs (Sanz et al., 2020).
Bone loss in the mouth can also be a warning sign for osteoporosis, a condition that makes your bones break more easily. The link between the health of your mouth and the health of your bones is so close that sometimes signs of osteoporosis can even show up on dental X-rays. So, taking care of your mouth is also a way to look out for your bones.
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It Doesn’t Stop at Oral Health and Heart Disease: Risks of Alzheimer's
Recent studies have shown an increasingly strong connection between poor dental health and cognitive decline, including developing Alzheimer’s. The bacteria from gum disease can travel to the brain, triggering an immune system response that can lead to severe memory loss.
There is a plaque found in periodontal disease that is the same as in the brain of someone who has Alzheimer's. This plaque is thought to travel from the mouth of someone with periodontal disease, through the blood and into the brain.
But Hope is Not Lost!
Even with multiple failing or missing teeth, it’s still possible to restore your oral health with full mouth dental implants.
If your personal health has been on the backburner while looking out for your family, now is the time to make it a priority so you can have the good health you need to continue to take care of your family.
A healthy mouth is more than just a beautiful smile; it's often the first line of defense against conditions like heart disease, weak bones, and more.
Taking Care of Oral Health and Heart Disease with Dental Implants
Full mouth dental implants are a one and done solution for fixing missing and failing teeth. As a result, they can also have a significant impact on overall health.
Getting Dental Implants the Right Way
Getting dental implants can look different depending on where you go. You can find yourself wearing a temporary set of dentures for up to 10+ months before getting your permanent teeth – OR you can get your permanent teeth 24 hours after your dental implants.
Here’s what makes the difference. Those who advertise “Teeth-in-a-Day®” methods are really referring to a decades old approach of having a patient wear an acrylic denture until their implants are healed and their provider is able to create permanent teeth.
Permanent teeth in 24 hours, Nuvia’s process uses an in-house lab to create a patient’s custom, permanent teeth ready for the patient in 24 hours.
This makes it possible for dental implants to heal in a solid, rigid splint. Think of it like a cast, keeping the implants firmly in place so they don’t experience any small, damaging movements while they fuse with the jawbone.
Find out if you may be eligible for permanent teeth in 24 hours with this 60-second quiz
Let Floyd's New Lease on Life Inspire You
After getting dental implants, Floyd not only regained his smile but also became a living testament to the transformative power of good dental health. He's now a firm believer that taking care of your teeth is not just cosmetic but a life-saving decision.
If Floyd's story doesn't convince you, let the facts speak for themselves. Dental health is not a luxury; it's a necessity. Don't wait for a health scare to take action. Your future self will thank you.
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