It is no longer news that the human body functions in an interconnected manner, such that a problem in one part of the body often affects the functionality of the other body parts. For instance, it has been revealed by various research results that an individual who suffers from an untreated hearing problem is more prone to a reduced life span than another person who does not have this issue. This goes to lend more credence to the fact that every part of the human body functions together as a whole to create a structural balance.

However, the mouth is the part of the body that has been touted to directly impact the functionality and wellbeing of most other body parts. This is mainly because a higher percentage of the things our body consumes come from the mouth. So, if the mouth is unhealthy, it can contaminate these things and lead to more severe problems for the body’s general health.

Research results have also shown that many severe diseases like diabetes, stroke, heart diseases, and others share a casual link with bad oral health. Moreover, it has been reported that poor oral care and hygiene can expose the body to the risk of dangerous diseases, three times more than the norm. This is why most dental experts and professionals, like dentist Dr. Rafiq, advise that people should always pay special attention to their dental health and care. This article will consider the connection between gum diseases and heart disease. We will also discuss how poor oral health can lead to cardiovascular diseases. Read on to discover more.

What is the Connection between Gum Disease and Heart Disease?

Over the years, dental experts have formed theories to explain the connectivity between cardiovascular diseases and a person’s oral health. Some of these theories are listed below.

• Reports show that the bacteria that cause gingivitis and periodontitis in the mouth can easily penetrate the blood vessels. When these bacteria arrive in the blood vessels, they can cause damages like blood inflammation. Consequently, infected persons may suffer from stroke or heart attacks.
• Rather than the bacteria creating the problem themselves, the infected individual’s immune system’s response-inflammation will kick off a series of vascular damage through the entire body. This is such that it will affect areas like the brain and the heart.
• The third factor in this theory series is based on the negative consequences of smoking on heart-related diseases. However, other factors can also contribute to this bracket, including health insurance policy, lack of body exercise, limited access to health facilities, and poor hygienic lifestyles. People under this category are often more likely to experience gum diseases, leading to other cardiovascular diseases in the long run.

Symptoms of Bad Oral Health to Watch Out for

Having established that bad oral health could be disastrous to your general health and wellbeing, it is essential to highlight some symptoms of bad oral health to watch out for. They include the following:

• If you notice significant changes in your gum color, especially when it abruptly changes to red.
• If you notice that you bleed when eating or brushing.
• If your gum gets swollen and feels sore when you touch it.
• When it feels like your gum is pulling out of your mouth, and you feel severe pain.
• If you notice signs of infection in your mouth, like pus.
• If you notice that your mouth tastes unusually bitter when drinking or eating liquid substances.
• Consistent bad breathe
• If you notice that your teeth have become loose or seem to be separating from themselves.

How to Protect Your Oral Health and Prevent Gum Disease

Here are some practical ways to ensure adequate care for your oral health and reduce the chances of contracting gum disease.

• Brush your teeth twice daily, preferably in the morning and evening. Also, ensure to floss once every day.
• Dental experts recommend that it is best to use fluoride-based toothpaste for brushing your teeth.
• It would be best to reduce your snack intake levels and focus on eating balanced foods with high nutritional values.
• Avoid taking too much sugar and carbonated drinks, like sports and energy drinks. Instead, drink lots of water.
• Always remember to schedule appointments and visit your dentist as often as possible.

Conclusion

It has been established that your oral health can contribute to determining your heart’s state and your general wellbeing. This article has considered the connection between these two body parts. We have also highlighted ways to ensure good oral care and health.