Cardiovascular health affects everything we do. Without a healthy, properly functioning heart, we must alter our everyday lifestyles and activities.
But what would you say if something you didn’t do every day was straining your heart health? In this case, you are not cleaning your teeth as well as you should.
People with active periodontal disease are 2-3x more likely to suffer a heart attack. Part of the reason is likely due to the bacterial load already in your body, the ability of those germs to spread into your cardiovascular system, and the strain it places on your body.
Flossing removes bacterial colonies from between our teeth and below the gumlines. If left alone, those areas of bacteria will proliferate and trigger active periodontal infection around the teeth. As our immune system kicks in, gum tissues detach from the tooth root and bleeding increases. Those bacterial colonies can spread directly into our bloodstream, making their way throughout the cardiovascular system into other parts of our body, like our heart.
Yes.In one study, people with atherosclerosis were found to have dental bacteria built up inside the fatty deposits inside their heart tissues. Researchers have also noted that periodontal bacteria can become lodged within arterial walls and increase a person’s risk of stroke due to blockage in blood vessels.
A brief dental visit is all you need to rule out or diagnose active periodontal disease. This oral infection can sometimes go undetected, especially if you smoke or have certain medical disorders. Classic symptoms include gum recession, halitosis, visible tartar buildup, and bleeding gums.
Schedule an exam with your dentist or periodontist today to find out how you can actively stop the spread of oral bacteria into your bloodstream.