How dental health impact heart health?

Dental problems not only have a bad impact on your smile and dentist bills but these problems can also lead to various heart issues, such as heart complications.

Studies suggest that poor oral hygiene and gum diseases can potentially result in an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Daily brushing and flossing can keep bacteria away from our teeth, but if you don’t, these bacteria can result in gum inflammation, which may give rise to gingivitis and, if immediate treatment is not provided, periodontal disease or periodontitis. In this condition, the gums are dragged away from the teeth, causing a space under the gum line where bacteria make a home. Find the nearest diagnostic centers in Bangalore with Cureplus. 

Symptoms of periodontitis include:

·         Loose teeth

·         Red, tender or swollen gums

·         Bad breath

·         Bleeding gums when you brush your teeth

·         Pulled away gums from the teeth

·         A change in the way your teeth come together when you bite your food.

Bacteria can easily get into the bloodstream and pass through to the heart’s arteries, resulting in arteries to harden, known as atherosclerosis. This condition further promotes plaque buildup on the inner walls of the artery, which can prevent blood flow throughout the body. This leads to coronary artery disease, commonly known as heart disease.

It’s yet unknown how exactly bacteria from the mouth causes atherosclerosis. One study suggests that mouth bacteria sticks on the fatty plaques in the bloodstream, causing blockages. Whereas, other experts believe that oral bacteria stimulates the inflammatory response against infection in the body and as a result blood cells to swell up, which could potentially narrow an artery and increase the risk of blood clots.

In severe cases, atherosclerosis can obstruct the blood flow wholly, resulting in a heart attack. As per the studies, people who are suffering from gum disease are more vulnerable to get a heart attack than people with healthy gums and teeth.  

People with poor oral hygiene can suffer from inflamed gums, which may bleed while brushing, flossing, or dentist visits. This bleeding could become a stimulator to a fatal heart condition called endocarditis. This is an infection of the heart and can happen when bloodstream bacteria get attached to the damaged heart valves or other heart tissue.

Always remember good oral hygiene not only give you confidence with a beautiful smile, but also take care of your overall health, including your heart health.