Periodontal Disease, Heart Disease and Stroke
Periodontal disease is a progressive disease characterized by the inflammation of the surrounding structures of the teeth due to plaque buildup. Little by little, the accumulated bacteria will attack healthy gum tissues. Afterwards, weakened gum tissues will tear and leave an opening for bacteria to enter the bloodstream. This is how researchers found a connection between periodontal disease, heart disease, and stroke. By not practicing good oral hygiene, you are leaving your mouth prone to a progressing periodontal disease.
Common symptoms of periodontal disease include bleeding gums, bad breath, lost teeth, and receding gum lines. The progression starts from gingivitis to advanced periodontitis. When you reach the late stage of the disease, your gum line will recede and cause permanent tooth loss. Moreover, pockets in the gum line will form and trap old food particles. The pockets will act as a breeding ground for bad bacteria. By not visiting the dentist, old food particles will remain and turn into plaque.
The Connection between Periodontal Disease, Heart Disease, and Stroke
Studies show that some systemic diseases are caused by the mouth and body connection. This means having poor oral hygiene can affect your entire body. As discussed earlier, having periodontal disease can cause bacteria to enter your bloodstream. The torn blood vessels act as open doors for bad bacteria. Once the bacteria enters the bloodstream, the body will trigger a response similar to inflammation. When this happens, arterial plaque will begin to form. The blood vessels close to your brain will then become narrow and could possibly cause a stroke.
Inflammation is the most common thread between periodontal disease, heart disease, and stroke. This is caused by the body trying to block off oral bacteria in the bloodstream. Under the wrong set of circumstances, the body’s defense system may cause the formation of a blood clot. This will happen when the plaque ruptures and its content comes into contact with the blood.
Studies show that this line of events causes the majority of heart attacks and stroke.
Preventing Periodontal Disease that leads to Heart Disease, and Stroke
It is extremely crucial to maintain good oral hygiene, a well-balanced diet, and a healthy lifestyle. Bad bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar. Meals high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can liven up the bad bacteria and keep you from maintaining good oral health.
Additionally, smoking can reduce your body’s ability to heal. This is due to the tobacco blocking the healing processes of tissues in the mouth. Smokers are more likely to develop periodontal disease, heart disease, and stroke due to this reason. If the tissues don’t heal, the bacteria will have more chances of entering the bloodstream. Prevent this from happening by staying away from cigarettes.
Lower the risks of bacteria entering your bloodstream by practicing good oral hygiene. Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash regularly can keep bacteria in the mouth from forming. Also, visit your dentist regularly for professional cleaning. By doing so, you are lowering the risks of acquiring periodontal disease. Also, the dentist can check your mouth for plaque buildup and warn you of a progressing periodontal disease. If you happen to be experiencing the symptoms of periodontal disease, it would be best to visit a periodontist. A periodontist specializes in treating periodontal disease and other oral complications.