If somebody tells you that decaying teeth can be fatal to your very life, you’d think it ridiculous. However, a recent study reveals that the condition can have sweeping implications for a person’s entire physical health. It has been widely believed that lack of oral health leads to heart disease. This long-held belief was augmented further by research conducted in 2015 and the findings were published in the prestigious Journal of Periodontology.  The study brings forth the link between lack of oral hygiene and hypertension, leading to CVD or cardiovascular disease which is the main cause of death in America.

Related Theories

Not only decaying teeth but also gum disease can be a cause for heart disease. According to one theory, bacteria present in the mouth can enter the bloodstream via sores found in bleeding gums. These can spread over the fatty plaques that line the blood vessels within your heart. Then they start hindering blood flow, resulting in heart failure. Another theory has it that periodontal bacteria cause arterial inflammation which leads to hypertension. Yet another other theory states that gum inflammation and the consequent rise in blood pressure cause heart disease.

In fact, none of these theories and findings brings conclusive proof that tooth decay results in heart disease, but these indeed seem to be factors that are too risky to ignore. This, in turn, reinforces the possibility that there is a connection between mouth and body and it plays a major role in the wellness and health of human beings. However, these theories and studies have yet to ascertain with the dependable conviction that treating the periodontal disease can bring down the danger of heart disease.

Bad oral health is cause for other ailments also such as dementia, stroke, certain types of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory infection, kidney disease, pregnancy problems, diabetes as well as erectile dysfunction! In such scenarios, the logic is that microbes from infected teeth enter a patient’s bloodstream, thereby causing enormous harm.

Brush Your Teeth Well to Prevent Heart Disease

It pays to maintain your teeth and gums healthy by regular brushing so that your heart also will remain healthy. It is advisable to brush your teeth two times a day for two minutes. Consult a dentist once every year to clean your teeth which will go a long way to prevent tooth decay and inflammation of the gums.

Dental Insurance

Dental insurance is a good way to maintain excellent dental health and obtain the preventive care you require, as this also keeps your heart healthy.