The heart connects to all parts of your body, given its blood pumping function. Infection from one part of the body, including your gums, will find its way to the heart. Poor oral hygiene causes the formation of plaques that attract bacteria that cause gum diseases. Gum diseases impact your heart health by increasing the blood vessels' inflammation burden and infecting the heart valves.
The Inflammation Burden on Blood Vessels
Bacteria causing gum diseases also cause inflammation that precedes heart diseases in the long term. The gums have blood vessels that supply the soft tissues with blood and nutrients for nourishment. In the case of gum disease, bacteria may find their way through the blood vessels and into the arteries of your heart. Their accumulation can cause infection to your blood vessels and heart. The risks are higher where an individual has high cholesterol levels. In such cases, the bacteria attach to the plaques on the artery walls causing further narrowing and atherosclerosis. This increases the blood pressure and risks of heart attack and stroke.
Heart Valves Infection
If you have a heart valve disease or survive on artificial heart valves, you need to be diligent in oral hygiene to prevent bacterial infections and gum disease. Bacteria in the mouth can find its way into the bloodstream and the heart and infect the already vulnerable heart valves causing severe effects. Given the chronic effects of gum diseases on your heart health, preventing and treating gum diseases is necessary. You need to maintain a regular oral hygiene schedule to prevent the accumulation of bacteria. Regular exams and cleaning will also help in the early detection and treatment of gum disease. With proper management of gum diseases, the risks of heart disease will be lower. Contact us today for more information on how you can prevent gum diseases for a healthy heart.
Dental Blog | Neu Family Dental | East Dundee, IL Neu Family Dental, 573 Dundee Avenue, East Dundee, IL 60118 + (847) 230-9143 + neufamilydental.com + 10/8/2024 + Related Terms: Dentist East Dundee IL +
The heart connects to all parts of your body, given its blood pumping function. Infection from one part of the body, including your gums, will find its way to the heart. Poor oral hygiene causes the formation of plaques that attract bacteria that cause gum diseases. Gum diseases impact your heart health by increasing the blood vessels' inflammation burden and infecting the heart valves.