The Unexpected Ways Poor Sleep and Gum Health Can Impact Your Heart

A healthy heart doesn’t begin in the doctor’s office—it’s shaped by everyday habits like quality sleep and good oral healthcare.

To help make sense of how these often-overlooked factors—sleep and oral hygiene—affect the heart, we spoke with Kaitlyn Ibrahim, M.D., FACC, a cardiologist with Main Line Health. Dr. Ibrahim shares practical, easy-to-understand insights into why sleep and oral hygiene matter, what symptoms to pay attention to and how small changes can support long-term cardiovascular health.

Sleep and Your Heart

How does poor sleep impact your cardiovascular system?
Kaitlyn Ibrahim, M.D.: When you don’t get enough good-quality sleep, your body stays in a “fight-or-flight” state. Over time, this can raise your blood pressure, increase inflammation and make your heart work harder than it needs to—all of which can affect heart health.

How do you know if you’re getting good sleep?
KI: Most adults do best with seven to nine hours a night, but how you feel matters just as much. If you wake up tired, feel foggy during the day or rely on caffeine to get through, your sleep may not be as restorative as it should be.

What is sleep apnea and how does it affect heart health?
KI: Sleep apnea occurs when breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Each pause lowers oxygen levels and puts strain on the heart. Over time, this can increase the risk of high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, heart failure and stroke.

What are signs of sleep apnea? How is it diagnosed?
KI: Loud snoring, gasping or choking at night, morning headaches and excessive daytime sleepiness are common signs. If you or your partner notice these symptoms, it’s a good idea to bring them up with your doctor.

Sleep apnea is diagnosed with a sleep study, which can often be done at home. Treatment may include CPAP therapy, oral appliances, implantable devices, weight management or other options.

How can you improve your sleep? And will it help your heart health?
KI: Try to keep a consistent sleep schedule, limit screens before bed, avoid alcohol late in the evening and create a calm, dark sleep environment. Addressing stress and any underlying sleep disorders can make a big difference.

Improving sleep can help lower blood pressure, reduce strain on the heart and support healthier heart rhythms. It’s one of the most powerful lifestyle changes people often overlook.

Oral Health and Your Heart

How are oral health and heart health connected?
While the heart and the mouth may seem distant from one another, they are connected by our bloodstream. Advanced gum disease can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, which may contribute to inflammation in the blood vessels and heart itself.

How can poor gum health impact the heart?
Gum disease triggers inflammation and ulceration, which can be a portal for bacteria to enter our bloodstream. This can lead to infection of the heart valves, called endocarditis. Additionally, a chronic state of inflammation can accelerate atherosclerosis, or plaque build-up in the blood vessels in our body.

What can people do to protect their oral health?
Brushing twice a day, flossing regularly and keeping up with routine dental visits go a long way. It’s also important not to ignore bleeding gums, pain or swelling.

Are there lifestyle habits that affect oral health?
Yes. Smoking, excessive alcohol use, poor nutrition, unmanaged diabetes and skipping routine dental care can all increase the risk of gum disease and infections.

For more on heart-healthy living, visit Go Red.