Did you know that proper dental hygiene could be a leading factor in keeping your heart healthy? That’s precisely what several researchers, doctors and health organizations around the world are saying.
“Teeth are not just there to help us chew food, speak better and look better,” says Dr. Diane Feng, a dentist at Beijing United Family Hospital and Clinics. “Teeth and their supporting gum tissue also serve as an important line of the defense for our entire body.”
Their position on the frontlines means that gums and teeth are first to fight—and fall victim to—vicious germs and micro-organisms. Studies indicate that if the bacteria in our mouths are allowed to run rampant, they—along with their icky byproducts—may be able to enter our bloodstream where they can cause blood clots and flow into the heart. This could lead to endocarditis, which is the inflammation of the inner lining of the heart, and eventually cause a stroke.
And the health risks don’t stop there. Feng adds that at the very first sign of tooth decay, our bodies begin to produce special cells to stave off infection. These very same cells also produce chemicals that can damage heart tissue if allowed to enter our bloodstream. “Your heart may become thick, swollen and weak as a result,” warns Feng. “All of this is precisely why seeking immediate medical care for oral infections is important. Doing so will help prevent additional complications.”
Unfortunately, Feng says that far too many of her patients hold too narrow a view about the hazards that lurk within their mouths. “I often hear my patients say: ‘cavities are just holes in the teeth. As long as they don’t hurt, I don’t need to fix them,’ or ‘my gums are bleeding and swollen, but they don’t bother me so it’s okay,’” says Feng. “In fact, gum diseases like periodontitis and gingivitis can have huge repercussions on our overall health. Aside from the heart factor, if plaque on our teeth is allowed to build up, our gums will swell, bleed and ache. Over time, this can result in severe deterioration and even tooth loss. That level of decay can reach past our mouths and affect our blood sugar.”
To keep your mouth and heart happy, be sure to undergo a routine dental checkup every six months. This should include an X-ray examination, a teeth cleaning and treatment for any emerging gum infections. Feng cautions that periodontal disease is a silent disease in its beginning stages, meaning that most people don’t even realize they have it until much later in the game. Thus, a periodontal evaluation should also be a part of your examination. And of course, remember to thoroughly brush, floss and rinse your teeth and mouth daily.
Though pretty white teeth, pain-free gums and fresh breath should be more than enough incentive to brush and floss regularly, few actually do so. Hopefully, newly researched links between gum disease, diabetes and heart disease will help to drive the necessity home.