Why Are These Things Related?
There is a link between oral health and heart disease based on the spread of bacteria. Germs from your mouth can easily travel to other parts of your body through the blood stream. If bacteria travels as far as to your heart it can attach to any compromised area. That can cause inflammation to the heart and surrounding tissues.
Who Is at Risk?
At most risk are the patients with gum disease such as gingivitis or periodontal disease, especially if the condition is a chronic, undiagnosed and untreated.
Even if your gums are fairly healthy it is very important to maintain good oral hygiene as accumulated plaque can put you at risk of gum disease. That can lead to bacteria travelling to your blood stream. You can be at increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
Oral Health and Patients recovering from Heart Disease:
Team of french researchers reveled that the bacteria that cause gum disease impair the healing and repair of arteries of our hearts.Patients suffering from heart condition can have delay in healing due to poor gums. This impaired healing may be due to an enzyme produced by the bacteria that stops the body’s immune cells from repairing arteries.
Prevention Measures:
See your dentist every 6 months at Blueberry Dental Surgery and maintain a good oral hygiene throughout a year. Always brush your teeth twice a day, using a soft bristle toothbrush or an electric toothbrush. Make sure you reach all the areas of your mouth. Don’t forget to floss daily and see Dental Hygienist as per your Dentist recommendation. This is the best way to protect yourself against gum disease.
Be proactive and maintain good oral health to prevent yourself from developing a connection between oral health and heart disease. Look after your smile throughout your lifetime!