Yes, you read that right. Oral hygiene has a direct effect on our heart. Poor oral health is responsible for serious cardiovascular disease, according to a scientific study by the English University of Bristol.
And at this time, as the statistics show, people all over the world, due to the crisis, are seriously neglecting their oral health. "The study by the University of England provides a solution to the chronic problem faced by the
medical community, that is, damaged gums or teeth can undermine cardiovascular health".
Until now, scientists were trying to figure out how damaged gums or teeth could undermine cardiovascular health. Now, scientists at the University of Bristol say the culprit is a self-defense mechanism in the mouth. When the bacteria enter the bloodstream through the bleeding gums, they produce a protein that forces the platelets to stick together to create a clot that will surround the germs as a shield.
Platelets, as it is known they are blood cells that have the role of being bonded, to clot the blood (eg in case of injury). Increased adhesion is the cause of clots. When platelets combine, they form such a strong shield around oral germs, which is also resistant to antibiotics.
In addition, platelet aggregation can cause small blood clots, formations in the heart valves, or inflammation of the blood vessels that can block the blood supply to the heart and brain.
So oral bacteria can cause serious problems if not treated with proper oral hygiene. A dangerous bacterium is streptococcus, which normally lives in "closed" colonies in the mouth. Streptococcus colonies are responsible for dental plaque and gingivitis, but they become very dangerous when they leave the mouth and circulate in the blood.
The germs can then settle in places where the blood does not flow normally, e.g. in the heart in cases of endocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle).
In order to reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems, in addition to a healthy diet, regulating blood pressure and cholesterol, exercising and quitting smoking, we must also pay attention to our oral health. In fact, scientists blame gingivitis and periodontitis as responsible for coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction.
Read what are the hidden oral threats to the heart
According to scientists, two hidden threats to the heart "endure" in the human mouth. It's about :
- Abscesses (inflammation of the gums or jawbone around the root of the tooth, where pus accumulates).
Abscesses are accompanied by pain, swelling of the gums and sometimes fever. Special care is required to those in high-risk groups (people with heart problems, as well as those who have had a heart attack in the past six months), because in the case of an abscess there is a risk of endocarditis, which can be life-threatening. This means that one of the abscess germs can be transmitted through the bloodstream to the heart valves, causing a serious infection.
In particular, patients in high-risk groups should inform their dentist immediately in the event of an abscess, so that this can be treated properly, in collaboration with the cardiologist, either at the doctor's office - where oral antibiotics will be given - either in the hospital - where intravenous antibiotics are given - depending on the severity of the condition.
Also, three months before scheduled heart surgeries (eg bypass, transplants), a thorough check-up by a dentist should be performed to avoid microbiome.
- Periodontitis (a form of advanced gingivitis, in which the gums recede and the teeth gradually lose their support and may later fall off).
Today, many studies have linked periodontitis to some of the most important diseases of our time, such as cardiovascular disease.
In fact, according to the American Academy of Cardiology and the American Academy of Periodontics, periodontitis increases the chances of developing atherosclerotic plaques in blood vessels. It is also thought to increase the risk of coronary heart disease by 30%.
It is estimated that 10% of the general population has severe periodontal disease, the prevention of which requires proper oral hygiene on a daily basis. Also, those who brush their teeth only once a day or none at all, have a 70% higher risk of heart disease.
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