A Healthier Smile Could Mean a Healthier Heart

By Dr. Quah Wy Jin, Cardiologist at Institut Jantung Negara (IJN)

     

Most people think brushing their teeth is only about keeping a bright smile. But research shows that your oral health is deeply connected to your heart health — and neglecting one can affect the other.

Studies have found that people with gum disease have up to a 20 percent higher risk of developing cardiovascular issues, including heart attacks and strokes.

Park SY, Kim SH, Kang SH, Yoon CH, Lee HJ, Yun PY, Youn TJ, Chae IH. Improved oral hygiene care attenuates the cardiovascular risk of oral health disease: a population-based study from Korea. Eur Heart J. 2019 Apr 7;40(14):1138-1145.

The American Heart Association (AHA) also reports that gum disease and tooth loss are linked with an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications.

How Oral Health Affects the Heart

When gums are inflamed or infected, harmful bacteria can enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammation in the arteries. Over time, this contributes to plaque buildup, narrowing arteries and increasing the workload on the heart.

Kim J, Kim HJ, Jeon J, Song TJ. Association between oral health and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with hypertension: a nationwide cohort study. J Hypertens. 2022 Feb 1;40(2):374-381.

This is why maintaining oral hygiene isn't just cosmetic — it's part of cardiovascular care.

A Simple Habit That Protects Your Heart

Here's the good news: brushing your teeth properly twice a day can significantly lower your risk of heart disease.

Research shows that people who practice consistent oral hygiene have a 14 percent lower risk of developing cardiovascular conditions.

Park SY et al., Eur Heart J. 2019 Apr 7;40(14):1138-1145.

How the Right Toothbrush Makes a Difference

That's where advanced oral-care tools matter.

Sleepy Head's LUNA Sonic Toothbrush is designed to do more than just clean your teeth — it helps improve gum health, fight plaque, and reduce harmful bacteria that can affect overall wellness.

Unlike typical electric brushes that only move side-to-side, LUNA uses patented 3D+ motion technology, where each bristle rotates in a circular motion — delivering 39,000 strokes per minute for a deep yet gentle clean.

With its stainless-steel detailing and twist-to-start simplicity, LUNA turns brushing into a small act of care that supports both your smile and your heart.

The Takeaway

Healthy gums. Healthy heart. It's all connected.

Good oral hygiene is more than a beauty routine — it's part of preventive healthcare. So every time you pick up your toothbrush, remember: you're not just caring for your teeth — you're caring for your heart too.

 

     
     
| About Dr. Quah Wy Jin

Dr. Quah Wy Jin is a Cardiologist at Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's National Heart Institute. He specializes in Adult General Cardiology and Interventional Cardiology, with a focus on prevention and long-term heart health. Dr. Quah holds an MD from UCSI University and is a member of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP, UK).

He is active in Malaysia's cardiology community, contributing to professional conferences, clinical research, and public education. Through his work, Dr. Quah advocates for a holistic approach to heart care — emphasizing how small, consistent habits like proper brushing can contribute to long-term cardiovascular wellness.