Oral diseases, although preventable, affect people throughout their lives. They often cause pain, discomfort, disfigurement, and even death.
A recent report on the state of oral health issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that nearly half of the world’s population suffers from poor oral health.
Oral diseases are caused by a combination of risk factors such as sugar consumption, tobacco and alcohol use, and poor hygiene. Poor oral health can impair diabetes management and increase the risk of heart disease.
In order to shed light on the relationship between oral health and heart health, Harvard Health Publishing said that people who suffer from gum disease are at least twice as likely to develop heart disease as stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular problems. Adding, “The link may not be direct, because people who do not suffer from gum disease also suffer from these heart problems,” according to what was published by the specialized medical website, “onlymyhealth”. Poor oral health is associated with increased transmission of bacterial infections in the bloodstream. This can affect the heart valves. These germs can also attach to any damaged tissue when they reach the heart and begin to inflame it.
According to the Mayo Clinic, this can lead to diseases such as endocarditis. It is an inflammation of the inner lining of the heart.
According to the American Heart Association, inflammation caused by oral bacteria has also been linked to other cardiovascular disorders such as atherosclerosis (clogged arteries) and stroke.
Who are at risk?
The risk of heart disease due to poor dental hygiene is higher in patients with chronic periodontal disorders such as gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease, especially if it is misdiagnosed and untreated. Bacteria associated with gum infection can enter the bloodstream through the mouth and bind to blood vessels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
However, poor oral hygiene and black plaque buildup put you at risk of developing gum disease even if there is no visible inflammation of the gums. In addition, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and raise C-reactive protein (C-reactive protein, a measure of inflammation in the blood vessels), increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Symptoms and warning signs
Watch out for the following gum disease symptoms:
Gums that are painful to touch and become red and swollen
Bleeding in the gums when eating, brushing or flossing the teeth
Developing pus around the gums and teeth
Sensation of separation of the gums from the teeth
– Feeling a sour taste in the mouth or often bad breath
Loss of tooth location
Preventative measurements:
The best way to prevent the onset of gum disease is to practice good oral hygiene and get routine dental check-ups.
– It is recommended to use a toothbrush with comfortable soft bristles.
Brush your teeth twice a day.
Follow a dentally healthy diet.
Visit the dentist for routine check-ups
Finally, by taking charge of your oral health, you can prevent the development of a link between your health and your heart and maintain a healthy, attractive smile for the rest of your life.