We are delighted to have recently launched our new health screening service here at Diana Dental and to highlight the links between your oral health and your body. In this blog we will look at the link between heart disease and poor oral health.
Recent studies have shown that there is a link between people who have moderate or advanced stage gum disease and having a high risk of heart disease, also your oral health can provide doctors with warning signs of a range of conditions too- including those in the heart.
Oral health and heart disease are connected by the spread of bacteria, the bacteria from your mouth can spread to other parts of your body through your bloodstream. If there are any damaged areas in your heart, when this bacteria passes through it, it can stick to these areas and cause inflammation here. This could then result in conditions such as Endocarditis which is an infection of the inner lining of the heart. Clogged arteries and stroke have also been linked to this sort of inflammation.
If you suffer from poor oral health and this is left undiagnosed or unmanaged this could put you in a high risk group- this is another reason why regular hygiene visits are just as important as regular visits to see the dentist. Even if you don’t have noticeable gum disease, inadequate oral hygiene and failure to remove plaque effectively can put you in a higher risk group.
Here are some signs of gum disease to look out for;
- Your gums are red, swollen, and sore to the touch.
- Your gums bleed when you eat, brush or floss.
- You see pus or other signs of infection around the gums and teeth.
- Your gums look as if they are “pulling away” from the teeth.
- You frequently have bad breath or notice a bad taste in your mouth.
- Or some of your teeth are loose or feel as if they are moving away from the other teeth.
Good oral hygiene and regular dental examinations are the best way to protect yourself against gum disease development. If you can’t remember the last time you saw your dentist or you don’t have an ongoing appointment booked give them a call and check– don’t wait for a reminder. If you are proactive about your oral health, you can protect yourself and reduce the risk between oral health and heart disease.
