Tooth Decay And Heart Disease

Whether there is a connection between tooth decay and heart disease isn’t proven beyond doubt. Various researches and studies have established a connection between gum disease and heart disease. Plenty of evidence has shown that bacteria in dental plaque can cause blood clots, which develops the risk of heart attack when they enter the blood stream.

Researchers have found that heart disease is almost twice as high in people with periodontal disease than other individuals. Until conclusive evidence is established, the best defense you can adopt is taking good care of your oral health.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay results from bacteria that naturally live in our mouth and the sugary and starchy food that we eat. These bacteria form a sticky substance known as plaque after combining with starchy and sugary foods and produce acids.

These acids damage the tooth, causing holes and cavities, and lead to tooth decay. Tooth decay can cause pain, inflammation and infection, if not treated timely.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is a class of diseases which involves many different types of heart or blood vessels problems.

Basically it refers to the damage caused to the heart or blood vessels by build up of plaques in the arteries. Heart disease affects the arteries that carry oxygen and nutrients from the heart to other parts of the body.

Connection Between Tooth Decay And Heart Disease

Experts agree that poor dental hygiene that causes tooth decay can lead to heart problems and there are probable reasons why dental health and heart health are intertwined. Here are some probable reasons:

Inflammation Is A Common Symptom Of Tooth Decay And Heart Disease

Inflammation is a common symptom in both the diseases and the bacteria found in most dental diseases and blood vessel diseases are similar. Atherosclerosis or hardening of arteries or plaque build up in the arteries is nothing but an inflammatory process.

In the same way, tooth decay too has inflammatory components. For example, Gingivitis – the first stage of gum disease occurs due to inflammation of the gums, as a result of which the bacteria takes their hold in the mouth.

Bacterial Infection Is Common In Heart Disease And Tooth Decay

The health of our body and dental health is closely related as unlimited microorganisms can find their way to other organs of the body through the digestive tract and the bloodstream. For example, an infection on the inner lining of the heart and valve known as endocarditis can be caused due to the bacteria that thrive in mouth.

These bacteria can pass through the bloodstream and eventually reach the heart and increase the risk of heart valve infection in some patients. So, paying full attention to dental hygiene will not only provide you with a healthy smile but may also reduce the risk of heart diseases.

Specific Symptoms Of Tooth Decay That Increases The Risk Of Heart Disease

Tooth decaying needs immediate dental checkup. Some specific conditions that need your dentist’s attention are gingivitis, Periodontitiss, cavities and many other dental problems like missing teeth and abscesses can irritate the gum and cause infection, if neglected.

To avoid tooth decaying, adopt proper technique of brushing, go for regular dental checkups and eat a healthy balanced diet containing essential minerals and vitamins to make your immune system strong enough to fight infection and prevent heart diseases.