The Surprising Link Between Your Smile and Your Heart: What February’s Heart Month Means for Your Dental Health

February brings Valentine’s Day chocolates, but it’s also American Heart Month—a time when health experts nationwide encourage conversations about cardiovascular wellness. What most people don’t realize is that their dentist plays an unexpectedly important role in protecting their heart. The connection between oral health and heart disease has been studied extensively over the past two decades, and the findings have changed how dental professionals approach patient care.

At Riverwood Dental in the Cumberland area of Atlanta, this whole-body approach to dental health reflects a deeper understanding: your mouth isn’t separate from the rest of your body. What happens with your teeth and gums can have real consequences for your cardiovascular system.

How Your Mouth Affects Your Heart

The mouth-heart connection centers primarily on one culprit: gum disease. When bacteria accumulate along and below the gum line, they trigger an inflammatory response. In its early stage, called gingivitis, this inflammation causes red, swollen gums that may bleed during brushing. Left untreated, it progresses to periodontitis—a more serious condition where bacteria create pockets between teeth and gums, eventually destroying the bone that supports your teeth.

Here’s where the heart connection becomes critical. The same bacteria responsible for gum disease can enter your bloodstream through inflamed gum tissue. Once circulating, these bacteria can:

• Attach to fatty plaques in blood vessels: contributing to the formation of clots that can trigger heart attacks or strokes
• Travel to heart valves: potentially causing endocarditis, a dangerous infection of the heart’s inner lining
• Trigger systemic inflammation: chronic inflammation is now recognized as a significant contributor to cardiovascular disease

Research published in major medical journals has found that people with periodontal disease face significantly higher risks of heart disease compared to those with healthy gums. While correlation doesn’t prove causation, the biological mechanisms connecting these conditions are increasingly well understood.

Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Many people dismiss early signs of gum disease as minor inconveniences. But these symptoms deserve attention—both for your oral health and potentially for your heart:

• Bleeding gums: healthy gums don’t bleed when you brush or floss
• Persistent bad breath: often indicates bacterial buildup that brushing alone can’t address
• Red, swollen, or tender gums: signs of active inflammation
• Receding gums: when gums pull away from teeth, exposing more of the tooth or its root
• Loose teeth or changes in bite: suggest bone loss from advanced periodontal disease
• Pain when chewing: may indicate infection or structural problems

If you notice any of these symptoms, scheduling a dental evaluation sooner rather than later protects both your smile and your overall health.

Who Faces Higher Risk?

Certain factors increase your vulnerability to both gum disease and heart problems. Understanding your risk profile helps you take appropriate preventive action.

Higher-risk individuals include:

• People with diabetes: the relationship between diabetes and gum disease runs both directions—each condition makes the other harder to control
• Smokers and tobacco users: smoking dramatically increases gum disease risk while also damaging cardiovascular health
• Those with family history: genetics influence susceptibility to both periodontal disease and heart conditions
• People experiencing chronic stress: stress hormones can suppress immune function and increase inflammation
• Individuals with poor nutrition: diets lacking essential vitamins and minerals compromise both oral and cardiovascular health

If multiple risk factors apply to you, discussing them with both your dentist and physician ensures coordinated care.

Prevention Starts with Daily Habits

Protecting your heart through oral health doesn’t require dramatic lifestyle changes. Consistent, simple habits make the biggest difference.

Daily practices that protect both your gums and your heart:

• Brush twice daily for two minutes: use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, paying attention to the gum line
• Floss once daily: brushing alone misses approximately 40% of tooth surfaces
• Consider an antimicrobial mouthwash: helps reduce bacteria beyond what brushing and flossing accomplish
• Stay hydrated: adequate water supports saliva production, your mouth’s natural defense
• Limit sugary foods and drinks: sugar feeds bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease

Why Professional Cleanings Matter More Than You Think

Even with excellent home care, professional dental cleanings remain essential. Here’s why: tartar—hardite buildup that forms when plaque mineralizes—cannot be removed by brushing or flossing. Once tartar forms, only professional instruments can eliminate it.

During a professional cleaning, your hygienist removes tartar from above and below the gum line, disrupting bacterial colonies before they can cause significant damage. For patients with early gum disease, more frequent cleanings—every three to four months rather than every six—can often reverse the condition before it progresses.

Professional cleanings also provide an opportunity for early detection. Your dental team can identify warning signs of periodontal disease, often before you notice any symptoms yourself. Early intervention is far simpler and more effective than treating advanced disease.

Periodontal Therapy: When You Need More Than a Cleaning

For patients whose gum disease has progressed beyond what regular cleanings can address, periodontal therapy offers targeted treatment. This may include:

• Scaling and root planing: a deep cleaning procedure that removes bacteria and tartar from below the gum line and smooths tooth root surfaces to help gums reattach
• Antibiotic treatments: localized or systemic medications to help control bacterial infection
• Ongoing maintenance: more frequent professional cleanings to prevent recurrence

At Riverwood Dental, periodontal therapy is approached comprehensively, addressing not just the immediate infection but also the factors that contributed to disease development. The goal isn’t just treating symptoms—it’s restoring long-term gum health.

The Expertise Behind Your Care

Understanding the oral-systemic health connection requires dentists who stay current with evolving research and apply that knowledge to patient care. The team at Riverwood Dental brings this integrated perspective to every appointment.

Dr. Brady Johnston earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Utah, where he worked closely with specialists to apply research-backed solutions to complex patient problems. His commitment to continuing education includes advanced training in implants, Botox, and fillers—reflecting an understanding that dental health encompasses far more than just teeth. Dr. Johnston believes strongly in patient education, ensuring each person understands not just what treatment they need, but why.

Dr. Daniela Alvarez earned her dental degree from Nova Southeastern University and brings warmth and attentiveness to patient care. Patients describe her as approachable and deeply caring, with a talent for making even nervous patients feel comfortable. Her passion for ongoing learning ensures patients benefit from the latest advancements in preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry.

Taking Action This Heart Month

February offers the perfect opportunity to schedule a dental checkup and cleaning—especially if it’s been more than six months since your last visit. Think of it as a gift to your heart as well as your smile.

During your appointment, don’t hesitate to discuss your overall health history with your dental team. Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease are relevant to your dental care. This information helps your dentist provide more personalized recommendations and watch for warning signs specific to your situation.

Your Smile and Your Heart Deserve Attention

At Riverwood Dental, patients throughout Smyrna, Vinings, Cumberland, and the greater Atlanta area find a dental team that understands health holistically. With over 1,029 five-star Google reviews and recognition as a 2024 and 2025 Top Patient Rated Dentist, the practice has built a reputation for comprehensive, compassionate care.

This February, give your heart and your smile the attention they deserve. Call Riverwood Dental at (770) 955-2505 to schedule your appointment, or book online. New patients can take advantage of the $199 new patient special, which includes x-rays, exam, cleaning, and a complimentary 3D intraoral scan. Your heart—and your smile—will thank you.