It is good to know that many people understand the value of good oral health. The advantage of not only to our gums and teeth but also our heart! Yes, you read it correctly. Are you aware that there is a correlation between oral health and heart disease? If not, find out more on this page.

 

How Oral Health Affects Heart Disease

Oral health is indeed essential for overall health. Many dentists, researchers, and doctors have started to examine the connection between dental health and overall health. One area they have focused on is the connection between poor oral health and heart disease. Moreover, some recent studies recognized the relationship between gum disease and heart disease. They stated that gum disease increases an individual’s danger of heart disease by about 20 per cent.

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is inflammation of the gums. It can prompt to the failure of the teeth, gums, and bone tissues that hold them in order. At the same time, heart disease refers to a broad set of conditions, including cardiovascular failure and stroke. Coronary heart disease caused by the narrowing or blockage of essential veins. Hence, gum disease can increase the risk of coronary heart illness because soreness in the gums and bacteria or microorganisms may, in the long run, lead to narrowing of vital arteries.

 

Gum diseases and other ailments

Gum disease and oral health might be identified with different conditions, too, for example:

• Osteoporosis: Some study recommends that lower bone thickness leads to bone misfortune in the jaw. It indicates that it may eventually lead to tooth misfortune due to a fragile underlying bone.
• Respiratory ailment: Bacteria in the mouth can move to the lungs and cause diseases such as pneumonia. This ailment is more common for people with poor oral health and periodontal disease.
• Cancer: Some studies indicated that gum disease or periodontitis could increase the danger of certain forms of cancer, such as pancreatic, kidney, and blood cancers.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): In this area, some research stated a relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and gum disease. Be that as it may, more research is required.

Additionally, some conditions may increase your risk of developing gum disease. A study shows that individuals with diabetes are at increased risk of creating gum disease. It is likely because of increased swelling and soreness and more serious danger of infections in general. The risk brings down if you deal with your diabetes. Moreover, pregnant women are likewise at increased risk of gum disease due to hormonal changes and increased blood flow.

 

Symptoms of Gum disease

Bimonthly visits to your dental specialist can help with early diagnosis and treatment of gum disease. You should likewise inform your dentist if you have any symptoms of gum disease. These symptoms are poor oral health, swollen, tender gums that bleed, discomfort with eating, highly sensitive teeth, sunken teeth, and loose teeth.

 

Diagnosis of Gum disease

Because you have one or few of these manifestations doesn’t mean you have gum ailment. Your dental specialist will make a proper analysis by reviewing the seriousness and span of your symptoms. Also, your dentist will assess your teeth and check your clinical history. The following are the procedures you may encounter when you visit your dental health provider.

• evaluate the measure your gums using a little ruler to check the pocket pit
• assess the gums for any indications of swelling, soreness, and plaque development
• utilize X-beams of underlying jaw bone issue to look for bone misfortune
• inspect delicate teeth for retreating gums

 

Symptoms of Heart disease

Suppose your primary care physician speculates heart disease. In that case, they will make a diagnosis based on your clinical history, the severity and span of your indications, and the results of your physical assessment. The following are common symptoms of coronary heart disease:

• chest pain, also known as angina, resulting from your heart not getting enough oxygen
• arrhythmia, also known as irregular heartbeat
• shortness of breath
• unexpected fatigue
• dizziness and lightheaded
• sudden confusion or impaired thinking
• excess development of fluid, known as edema heart attack

The doctor will likewise assess your blood and examine risk factors for coronary heart disease, for example, family ancestry and body weight. They can confirm a diagnosis with the accompanying tests—first, EKG to record the heart’s electrical activity. Second, the chest X-ray to visualize the heart and other organs in the chest. Third, blood tests to assess levels of proteins, lipids, and glucose. Last, the stress test to report anomalous changes in your heartbeat and breathing during exercise.

 

Research shows some association between gum ailment and coronary illness. Bacteria buildup and inflammation in the oral cavity eventually lead to narrowing and blockage of veins. Notwithstanding, more research needed to comprehend the connection.

Besides, visit your dental health provider to prevent poor oral health. Remember the importance and benefits of having good oral health. It is not just for your teeth and gums but also your overall health.

 

Prevention

There are several healthy lifestyles you can use to maintain good oral hygiene and decrease your risk of gum and coronary diseases. Read and keep in mind the following prevention to improve both of your dental health and overall health.

1. Brush your teeth and tongue at least two times a day with a fluoride toothpaste. You can ask your dental specialist to demonstrate the right procedure for brushing.
2. Floss between your teeth and gums at least once a day.
3. Use mouthwash.
4. Refrain from smoking or chewing tobacco.
5. Drink water regularly.
6. Eat a diet high in vegetables, high-fiber nourishment, low-sugar fruits, and vegetable-based proteins.
7. Maintain healthy levels of glucose, particularly if you have diabetes.
8. See your dentist two times a year for regular checkups and cleanings.
9. Be mindful of early signs of gum disease, such as bleeding gums and poor oral health. Inform your dentist as to whether you have any of these symptoms.