How Dental Health and Heart Health are Connected

Categories: Dental

How your dental health and heart health are connected

Heart and dental health have no direct connection, but some heart deficiencies are caused by poor oral health. The case is still undergoing research for more understanding. Here are some available connections between dental health and heart disease.

Periodontal disease and Cardiovascular diseaseHow Dental Health and Heart Health are Connected

According to a statement from the University of Toronto, the possibility of gum disease becoming the cause of other diseases like cardiovascular disease is determined by the neutrophil cells’ behavior.

Poor dental care is simply the absence of brushing, flossing, and dental checkups; the outcome affects your gum line, and after a while, the dirt hardens into tartar or calculus. This new development grows to become an inflammation referred to as gingivitis of the gum.

Over time, gingivitis develops into periodontal disease. The disease affects the jaw bone, which holds the teeth together. Weaken jaw bones lead to tooth loss, eventually.

Surprisingly, severe periodontal disease also weakens the heart, especially when it remains untreated. The spread is possible through the bloodstream, and the heart is the main station. The bacteria further cause inflammation in your heart regions, making you vulnerable to atherosclerosis, aka clogged arteries, and stroke.

Poor Dental Health and Overall Health

As bacteria move through the bloodstream, they spread infection, causing inflammation on other body organs. Check out this list for other possible diseases caused by oral disease.

  • Dementia happens when the oral disease spreads and damages brain cells or nerves.
  • Respiratory infection, COPD, chronic bronchitis, and pneumonia are caused when an oral disease spreads to the lungs or even moves into the bloodstream.
  • Diabetes occurs when gum disease heightens blood sugar leading to the poor effect of medication.
  • Cancer is another disease caused by poor oral health. Gum disease spreads and weakens organs, resulting in pancreatic, blood, and kidney cancer vulnerability.
  • Pregnancy difficulty can result from poor oral health. The oral disease leads to periodontal disease and gingivitis, which are dangerous during pregnancy leading to premature birth and other health conditions. This disease can affect the child and the mother.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful inflammatory disease triggered by gum diseases causing inflammation of the overall health.

Preventing mouth bacteria and heart disease

However, these conditions are avoided if symptoms are noticed and diagnosed before getting worse. Or by keeping good oral health and dental checkups. Below are some weird changes to watch out for in your oral health.

  • Red or colorless gums
  • Swollen, inflamed, or irritated gum
  • Blood on gums when flossing
  • Pur or other infection on teeth or gums
  • Missing or unstable teeth
  • Bad mouth taste
  • Bad breath

If you observe these weird changes, it is important to seek a medication appointment with a dentist immediately. They are experts in determining and treating simple and complex mouth problems. In the presence of gum disease, they’ll recommend a visit to the periodontist for further treatment. It’s best to brush, floss, and have regular dental checkups. You can also eat tooth-friendly foods and nutritious foods and avoid things detrimental to your oral health. Take care of your dental, and you’ll be directly looking out for your entire body.

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