Oral health is like a mirror which gives clues about your overall health. But we are indolent and show negligence to take proper care of our oral hygiene. Instead, we provide windows for the germs to enter and multiply inside our mouth giving a chance to various types of diseases to emerge.
Is there a link between oral hygiene and heart health? The question might sound weird, but the answer is YES. There is a correlation between oral diseases and heart function. The topic was wrapped under discussion for more than two decades. Heart disease is a serious health problem affecting millions around the world. Anyone from any age group can fall under the cardiovascular disease belt. Maintaining proper oral hygiene, following a good lifestyle and proper physical exercise from childhood can reduce the risk to a greater extent.
Let’s check and know more about the periodontal disease, also known as gum diseases and the heart health. Inflammation of the gums leads to gum disease. Gums are very vascular which means it is fully loaded with blood vessels. If the gum layer is ruptured then the bacteria can pass through the blood and causes arteries to harden, making it difficult for the blood to flow through your heart. This is called atherosclerosis. The infection can spread anywhere in the body and can cause inflammation.
Streptococcus Sanguis bacteria are seen plentiful in oral biofilm which is found to be the major cause for root caries and periodontal disease. It is one of the most prevailing diseases worldwide. If the presence of this bacteria is more in the body then greater is the chance for the heart to get affected. So, it is always good to get an oral check-up also done if you doubt any heart ailment or already diagnosed with heart disease. Taking any over-the-counter dental medicine from online drugstore should be avoided in this case. For any medical advice consult a dentist near you. Once advised, you can buy medicine from the best online pharmacy to continue the treatment.
On the other hand, individuals who smoke; never take care of their overall health and diet. So, life-style choices are one of the strongest factors for them to develop heart disease.
Research overview:
Recent research has shown that there is a strong association between gum disease and heart dis-eases. If the gums are properly taken care of, there is a wide chance to reduce around 10 to 40% of the cost for cardiovascular diseases than the people who don’t pay attention to oral care. Also, from their findings, it is shown that there is 20% increased chances of heart disease among the people who have gum disease. American heart association has also stated that there is a correlation between gum disease and heart health. Due to gum inflammation, the bacteria eventually cause narrowing of arteries and blood vessels which lead to hypertension, thereby increasing the risk for stroke.
Here we have discussed a few symptoms of gum disease and heart disease. Focus on these and if you have any of the listed symptoms, then consulting a cardiologist and dentist is a must to go.
Gum disease symptoms:
Speak to your dentist if you have any of the below mentioned symptoms. Proper teeth evaluation and medical review can provide you with the best dental treatment. This will help you to ease gum disease.
- Feeling pain while chewing
- Persistent bad breath
- Sensitive teeth
- Loose teeth
- Swollen red gums
- Receding gum
Heart disease symptoms:
If your doctor is doubtful about the severity and duration of your cardiac symptom, then he may suggest you for a thorough physical examination and check your previous medical history. Following are some of the common symptoms seen during heart disease:
- Irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Heart attack
- Edema
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or angina
Can you prevent gum disease?
Yes, you can prevent gum disease with healthy lifestyle choices and good oral hygiene. This, in turn, helps you to reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Check out the tips below:
- Brush your teeth and tongue twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Drink plenty of water
- Floss between your teeth to avoid tooth decay and gum inflammation
- Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco products
- Follow a diet rich in vegetables, low sugars, and high fibre
- Go for dental check-up twice in a year or as suggested
- Use fluoride mouth wash and mouth rinse
It is surprising to know about the link between oral health and overall health. A good oral care regimen is important to properly maintain our health. It is good to educate patients about the importance of practising oral health as its negligence paves the way for various other diseases. If your doctor feels you have any gum disease or heart issue, he may prescribe you with medi-cines; you can buy medicine online through trusted pharma online and apps.
