The Link Between Heart Health and Oral Health
Our mouth contributes to the overall health of our body. Oral health, hence, must be made a priority. Researchers have also found a link between heart health and oral health.
It was found that microbes inside our oral cavity are carried to the other parts of our body through the bloodstream. This can contribute to harmful inflammation. Also, gum diseases can eventually cause several heart diseases.
Relation of Oral Health and Endocarditis
Endocarditis is a condition that occurs when bacteria carried through the bloodstream attack the inner linings of the heart. This phenomenon can cause inflammation. Thus, people with sound oral health have a lower risk of developing Endocarditis as the bacterial flow in their bloodstream is low.
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that only those patients who already have developed heart conditions and are more vulnerable to infective Endocarditis should take antibiotics before their dental procedures. You should consult your healthcare professional to determine the antibiotics.
Gum and Heart Connection
Good overall health comes with multiple benefits. Ongoing researches have established a link between oral health and heart health. Periodontal disease-causing oral bacteria carried through the bloodstream causes inflammation of the heart as well as the other parts of the body. This inflammation escalates the chances of stroke and other heart ailments.
Factors That Contribute to Gum Diseases
Gum diseases are majorly caused by dental plaque. However, AHA has reported following factors can also cause gum diseases.
Age: AHA states that periodontal disease can get induced due to old age. It results in a harmful gum infection which adversely affects gums and induces tooth loss. 70% of Americans above the age of 65 years have periodontal diseases.
Genetics: Genetic factors are also involved in developing gum diseases, as found by some researchers.
Stress: Chronic stress which poses other health risks, such as high blood pressure and cancer, is also a contributor to gum diseases.
Medications. It is believed that some medications are harmful to oral health. This is why it is always recommended to share your medical history with your health professional.
Teeth grinding: Grinding of teeth exerts a damaging force on teeth and gums, thus resulting in several gum diseases.
Systemic diseases: The inflammation which occurs due to heart diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes, can prove harmful to the oral cavity, and vice versa.
Nutrient deficiency and obesity: It is self-evident that nutrient deficiency impacts overall health. Thus, it also causes gum diseases and obesity.
How to Identify Gum Diseases
Generally, gum diseases are asymptomatic. However, the following signs can be noticed during the early period:
- Redness, tenderness, inflammation in gums
- Mobile teeth
- Production of pus between teeth and gums
- Receding of gums
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing
- Oral sores
- Chronic foul breath
- Change in the pattern of your tooth bite.
You should practice oral hygiene and must frequently visit your dentist to maintain your health. Moreover, brush for two minutes at least twice a day. Floss daily to reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum diseases. Finally, you must consult your dentist if you have a heart condition and visible signs of any gum disease.
For more information regarding your dental health, please give Dr. Apsey of Smile Brightly Dental a call today! We are located in Warren, MI and we can be reached at 586-573-7700!