Heart Health and Dental Health

During your dental check-up, Dr Teo will ask you questions about your general health, including your heart health.

Have you ever wondered why your dentist is so interested in your heart? It’s because there’s a relationship between your heart health and oral health. Many studies show that people who experience heart disease also have poor oral health, particularly gum disease.

Heart disease and gum disease may appear together because each is caused by the same lifestyle factors.  For example, poor nutrition or tobacco use are risk factors for both conditions.

Periodontitis (a more severe form of gum disease) has been linked with heart attacks and strokes.

Minimise Your Risk Factors

If you’ve got gum disease, heart disease, or both, it’s important to seek the best possible care from your medical practitioner and dentist.

  • Please keep Dr Teo informed about your general health
  • Please also ensure that you tell your medical GP if you are experiencing serious oral health conditions such as gum disease. 

Do everything you can to keep both your mouth and your heart healthy. 

  • Eat nutritious foods
  • Get regular exercise
  • Follow your GP’s recommendations about lifestyle and medication
  • Minimise consumption of alcohol
  • Stop using tobacco products
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly every day
  • Visit your dentist at least annually for a check-up or more often if recommended.

You will find plenty of information on our website about how to keep your teeth and gums clean and the most tooth-friendly foods and drinks to enjoy.

Dr Teo is happy to answer your questions about the relationship between general health and dental health.