Good Oral Hygiene Equals Good Overall Health

The billions of bacteria living in your mouth undeniably affect the health of your oral cavity. There is a Chinese saying that goes, "A smile will gain you more than years in life." The proverb was written countless centuries ago, and it may well have some underlying meaning.

In fact, researchers are now finding possible links between periodontal and cardiovascular diseases. While no direct cause–and–effect relationship has been established thus far, the body of research suggests several possibilities. Current studies propose that gum disease might be a more serious risk factor for heart disease than high blood cholesterol, smoking, and hypertension. Because the evidence of this link has only recently surfaced, few studies have looked directly at the mechanism by which gum and mouth diseases might contribute to heart attacks.

The current theory is that bacteria from the mouth and infected gums travel through the bloodstream. Once they reach the arteries, they irritate the arterial tissue the same way they do in one’s gums, causing arterial plaque to build up in the arteries. This accumulation of bacteria can cause a thickening of the arteries and restrict blood flow, leading to heart attacks and stroke.

Even though the research is not yet conclusive at this point, it is important to keep your mouth healthy and prevent gingivitis from the very start. This includes seeing your dentist in Knoxville TN at least twice a year and brushing and flossing regularly. By removing plaque from the mouth by brushing, flossing regularly, and regular visits to the dentist, you minimize your risk of getting gum and other oral cavity diseases.

Although gum disease often shows few symptoms, watch for gums that are red, irritated, or those that bleed easily. It is best to consult with a dentist Knoxville TN to see if these are ordinary irritations, or whether they can lead to something worse. Thankfully, there are now many treatments one can take to help control and prevent gum disease.

While it is certain that your oral health affects your overall health, no one is certain as to how exactly this works. Much more studies need to be done before researchers find conclusive evidence explaining the link between the two. In the meantime, remember that gum disease is both preventable and treatable. This can mean that preventing heart attacks and strokes might simply be a matter of regularly visiting dentists Knoxville.