Gum disease (periodontitis) is associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease. Poor dental health increases the risk of a bacterial infection in the blood stream, which can affect the heart valves. If you thought that dental hygiene only affects the mouth, think again. Poor dental hygiene is also known to have a negative impact on how the heart functions as well as its overall health.
In fact, research has found that people who don’t take good care of their teeth are more likely to develop issues. These could be heart disease, hypertension, and atherosclerosis – potentially fatal conditions caused by plaque buildup in the arteries. Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep your pearly whites clean and healthy. Read on for more information about how poor dental hygiene can affect the heart, what you need to know about this connection, and some tips for keeping your mouth healthy and happy.
Connection between poor dental hygiene and heart
When your teeth are in good condition and properly cared for, not only do they look better, but they also have a positive effect on your overall health. This is because when you clean your teeth regularly, you’re also removing plaque from the teeth, which is a type of bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease if left untreated. When plaque is left on the teeth for too long, it can actually harden and form tartar, which is much more difficult to remove than plaque.
Once tartar builds up, it can cause damage to the teeth and gums, leaving them more susceptible to infection. Bacteria from these buildups can travel to other parts of the body, including the heart. While researchers aren’t exactly sure how this process occurs, they do know that the bacteria from the mouth can collect in the arteries, forming a substance called plaque. Not only does plaque build up in the arteries, but it can also narrow the arteries and make the heart work harder to pump blood around the body.
What can you do to keep your teeth healthy?
Eat a balanced diet: A healthy diet is the first step to good dental health. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and nuts can help you avoid dental decay and gum disease.
Brush your teeth: Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste along with flossing once a day can help you avoid plaque and tooth decay. Brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes may lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases, a new study suggests. Previous studies have found a link between heart disease and periodontal disease – a condition marked by gum infection, gum inflammation and tooth damage.
Visit your dentist: While brushing your teeth twice a day can greatly reduce your chances of developing tooth decay and gum disease, it can’t remove all of the plaque from your teeth. For this reason, it’s important to visit your dentist for check-ups and professional cleanings every six months.
Limit your sugar intake: Eating too many sugary foods can make you more prone to tooth decay and gum disease, so try to limit your sugar intake as much as possible. Now it appears that tooth extraction and other oral surgeries also temporarily — but slightly — increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Get plenty of sleep: Not only is sleep important for keeping your overall health in tip-top shape, but it’s also essential for keeping your teeth clean and healthy.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help you avoid tooth decay and gum disease by keeping your teeth and gums clean.
Conclusion to dental hygiene
Gum disease (periodontitis) is associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease. Poor dental health increases the risk of a bacterial infection in the blood stream, which can affect the heart valves. While poor dental hygiene may not seem like a big deal, it can have a seriously negative impact on your heart health. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to keep your teeth clean, so there’s really no good excuse for not doing so. If you want to keep your heart healthy, you need to make sure your teeth are clean and healthy.
