CNN hosts an article from The Conversation that includes poor oral health among several signs a person may have an increased risk of heart disease. The article notes research suggests periodontitis and tooth loss are associated with heart disease, and says other signs may include creased earlobes; fatty bumps, known as “xanthomas”; clubbed fingernails; halo around the iris; and blue lips.
Separately, a cardiologist discussed the association between oral health and heart disease with WDAM-TV Hattiesburg, MS (3/28, Leggett-Brown), suggesting people consider poor oral health “as a risk factor, like the other known risk factors.” He encouraged people to visit their dentist “for good dental health.”
Bottom line: You can’t keep heart-healthy without being dentally-healthy!