Periodontal disease and heart health
24th May 2022 Wellbeing
Several organs and systems function individually and collectively to ensure that the human body is healthy.
Some of these systems are critical, while others may not seem so from a distance. However, each of these systems is pretty crucial and should be treated as such. The oral system is a typical example of parts that do not seem to hold much essence. However, it will surprise you that this system is among the most critical in the human body when you do a careful examination.
The oral system refers to the mouth, its constituents, and surrounding tissues. This system is often responsible for food intake and supports proper speech. Oral health (dental health) is crucial, making its maintenance a necessity. Taking care of your oral system helps you prevent all sorts of related illnesses, including periodontal diseases. According to local Canton dentist Dr. Ronkin, most oral infections can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene.
However, your oral health can quickly go from good to worst if you neglect its maintenance. What's worse? An oral infection can affect other parts of your body, including your delicate heart. This article will consider the uncanny relationship between your teeth and the cardiac system. It will also discuss how periodontal diseases can affect heart health. So, ensure to read to the end for more eye-opening information.
What is a periodontal disease?
A periodontal disease, or periodontitis as it is medically known, is a gum disease that often occurs due to infections in your mouth. This condition is common, and it can often lead to worse conditions like tooth loss or dreaded heart diseases. But the good news is that it is very much treatable and can be easily prevented by simply practicing good oral hygiene. This disease often causes severe damage to the gum and can affect the jawbone as well.
How your oral health links with your heart health
Oral health is strangely heavily linked with the cardiovascular system, so much that a deviation in normal dental health can lead to disastrous heart conditions. Oral conditions like periodontal diseases have been confirmed to have adverse effects on heart health. Here are some ways poor oral health leads to heart diseases.
- Firstly, the bacteria that infect the gums due to poor oral hygiene can travel down blood vessels and cause more damage. They can quickly get to the heart through the blood vessels, where they can cause inflammation. These bacteria can also cause tiny blood clots that duly affect the heart's functionality.
- Secondly, the immune system can also spark an adverse reaction in the brain and heart, leading to severe conditions. This is because of the inflammation that occurs as a natural response to irritation caused by the bacteria from the oral disease.
- Statistics have also backed that people with one oral disease or the other face a higher risk of suffering from heart conditions. Meaning that periodontal diseases expose your heart to attacks that can restrict its functionality.
The relationship between the heart and the oral system may be uncanny, but it has been proven to be correct on occasions. Here are some heart conditions that can be developed due to poor oral hygiene.
- Stroke: This brain damage occurs when blood flow from the heart to the brain is interrupted. This is a common problem that results from heart infections, and it can be triggered by several factors, including bacteria from periodontitis.
- Heart attack: A heart attack is a heart infection that occurs when blood flow into the heart muscles is restricted. It is a medical emergency that can be fatal if not immediately tended to, and periodontal diseases can trigger it.
Symptoms of periodontal diseases
Of course, the linkage between periodontal disease and heart health only explains why it is crucial to prevent and treat it promptly. But you may not be able to spot this disease on time if you don't know the symptoms. Here are some common symptoms of periodontitis you should look out for.
- Swollen gums
- Bright red or purplish gums
- Bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- Tooth loss (at advanced stages)
- Plaque buildup on your teeth
Conclusion
There is not much doubt that the oral and cardiovascular systems are interlinked. Hence, it is only ideal that you care adequately for your mouth and check in with the dentist at times for check-ups. This is especially so that you can avoid dental issues that could lead to more severe heart disorders. Remember, good oral health reduces the risk of several severe heart conditions. The things discussed in this article will help you immensely.
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