Can bad teeth lead to heart problems?

It’s long been known that good oral health is essential for your overall well being, yet more than 80% of us are living with periodontal or gum disease, often misdiagnosed. Although our teeth may feel fine, there is an underlying problem, and there is now evidence to suggest that this could be linked to heart disease.

According to scientific studies, those who have gum disease to a moderate or advanced degree are at greater risk of heart disease than those who have healthy gums and teeth. It may seem strange that the two are connected, but it actually all makes sense.

Essentially, oral health and heart disease are linked by the spread of bacteria and other germs. These travel through your mouth before entering your body through the blood stream. Should they reach your heart, they can attach themselves to damaged areas and cause dangerous inflammation.

Medical experts have proven that this can cause illnesses like endocarditis (an infection of the lining of your heart), and it has also been linked to cardiovascular conditions such as clogged arteries and strokes too.

Risk factors

If you’re worried about whether you could be at risk, you might want to consider whether you could have a chronic gum condition such as gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease, as those who do are most at risk of suffering heart disease related to poor oral health, especially where this goes misdiagnosed and untreated.

Even if you do not have noticeably inflamed gums, inadequate oral hygiene and the accumulation of plaque will put you at risk of developing gum disease and the medical conditions associated with this.

Symptoms of gum disease

Because of the above, it’s important to keep an eye on your oral health, so that you can react appropriately should you have or develop gum disease. Symptoms of this condition include:

• Red and swollen gums that are sore to the touch.
• Gums that bleed when you brush, floss, or eat.
• Pus or signs of infection around the teeth and gums.
• Gums that appear to be ‘pulling away’ from your teeth.
• Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.
• Teeth that are loose, or feel like they’re moving away from your other teeth.

Preventing gum disease

Be proactive about your oral health today, and it’s entirely possible to eliminate the dangers of developing gum disease and its related issues.

If you’re worried about developing gum disease, there is a lot you can do to prevent this from happening. Good oral hygiene and regular dental examinations will go a long way towards protecting you, so it is recommended that you always brush your teeth both morning and night. This should be done with a soft-bristled brush that fits comfortably in your mouth, with the best electric toothbrushes providing a particularly thorough clean. This should be performed using a branded toothpaste, and flossing should be done daily.

Stay healthy and happy, and proper oral hygiene will give you a smile that need never slip.