Guard Against Heart Disease with Good Dental Health
It may come as a shock to learn that your dental health can directly affect your heart, but this is precisely the case, according to cardiologists. Heart disease is a leading cause of death for men and women. Gum disease and cavities in your teeth can result in inflammation, causing the body to go into defense mode. If left untreated, oral inflammation can cause molecules to travel to other parts of the body, such as the cardiovascular system, and wreak havoc. Get the facts on the link between your mouth and your heart, before it’s too late.
The Dangers of Inflammatory Molecules on the Heart
When inflammation occurs in the mouth or elsewhere in the body, it is the body’s way of fighting off foreign microbes that are invading it. Inflammation of the gums can occur due to oral diseases, as a way to remove damaged cells or fight irritants. Gum disease or several cavities can lead to a large surface area of gum tissue going into the inflammatory fight response. This will produce an increase in inflammatory molecules in the bloodstream.
Coronary artery disease is linked to systemic inflammation, although not specifically to oral inflammation. Poor dental health and issues such as cavities, gingivitis, and periodontitis may cause systemic inflammation, increasing the risk of heart disease and other issues. Too many inflammatory molecules circulating through the body may contribute to common cardiovascular risks. Other ties between oral health and heart disease include shared factors such as smoking, obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Taking good care of your teeth could reduce the risk of inflammation-related heart problems in the future.