Oral diseases, although preventable, affect people throughout their lives. They often cause pain, discomfort, disfigurement and even death.
A recent State of Oral Health report released 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.
To shed light on the relationship between oral health and heart health, Harvard Health Publishing stated that people with gum disease are at least twice as likely to develop heart disease as stroke, heart attack and other cardiovascular problems. He added: “The link may not be direct, because people who don’t get gum disease also get these heart problems,” according to medical website ‘onlymyhealth’. Poor oral health is associated with increased transmission of bacterial infections into the bloodstream. This can affect the heart valves. These germs can also attach themselves to any damaged tissue when they reach the heart and start to inflame it.
According to the Mayo Clinic, this can lead to diseases like 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 (blocked arteries) and stroke.
Who is 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 left untreated. The 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 accumulation of black plaque put you at risk for developing gum disease even if there is no visible inflammation of the gums. Additionally, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and increase C-reactive protein (C-reactive protein, a measure of inflammation in blood vessels), increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Symptoms and warning signs
Look out for the following symptoms of gum disease:
Gums that hurt to the touch and become red and swollen
Bleeding gums when you eat, brush or floss your teeth
Development of pus around the gums and teeth
Feeling of separation of the gums from the teeth
– Feeling of a bitter taste in the mouth or often bad breath
Loss of tooth position
Preventive measures:
The best way to prevent the onset of gum disease is to practice good oral hygiene and have regular dental checkups.
– It is recommended to use a toothbrush with comfortable soft bristles.
Brush your teeth twice a day.
Follow a healthy dental diet.
Visit the dentist for routine checkups
Finally, by taking care of your oral health, you can prevent a link between your health and your heart from developing and maintain a healthy, attractive smile for the rest of your life.
