Dental Problems And Heart Disease

Heart disease is one of the most common and feared of all health conditions in the modern day. We’re sure you’d agree and the only thing mostly blamed is the lifestyle choices one makes. Isn’t it? But did you know that apart from lifestyle choices which include poor food habits and mobility, oral health plays a vital role in deciding your heart health? Well, not many know this, and most people wouldn’t imagine it could be true. But it’s a proven fact that oral health and heart disease are closely related. Here’s a quick read through over how oral health can impact heart health. Read on…

For the starters, let’s understand why oral health and heart health are related. It’s common to think about the blockages in the blood vessels, or being born with congenital heart disease. But heart disease can also be a result of germs and bacteria entering the heart.

How bacteria spreads

Bacteria spread through the mouth and the bloodstream, reach the heart and attach themselves to a damaged area. This causes inflammation and further leads to severe conditions such as endocarditis – infection of the inner lining of the heart. Other heart conditions that it can lead to include:

• Atherosclerosis – clogged arteries
• Stroke
• Myocardial infarction

Who is at a risk?

There are many dental problems that lead to heart diseases. It is more important to understand that dental problems that are usually ignored at early stages are the most common reason for heart diseases. Let’s take a look at who are at a high risk of developing heart diseases.

People with chronic gum infections such as:

• Gingivitis
• Periodontal disease
• If the dental problem is undiagnosed and unmanaged for long
• Bacteria associated with gum infection
• Inadequate oral hygiene
• Accumulation of plaque – leads to severe gum disease

Bacteria can migrate into the bloodstream causing elevated C – reactive protein – a marker for inflammation in the blood vessels.

Symptoms

• Red swollen gums sore to touch
• Bleeding gums
• Gums pulling away from teeth
• Loose teeth

While it sounds not so believable, it is indeed a fact that you can’t ignore. Dental and oral health can actually make or break your entire health. All it takes is simple and healthy habits be it with food or basic lifestyle choices. As much as exercising is important for the body to function well, dental care and oral health are also important. Bacteria spreading through the mouth is like giving easy way to health damage. Hence, watch what you eat, what your dental health is like and get regular dental check-ups to keep safe from heart disease.