For a very
long time it was hard to believe that there could be a connection between
heart disease and that of oral hygiene. Over a decade and after research,
medical experts have seen that there is a connection between the two in more
ways than one.
One may
have wondered as to how it would affect the heart. Oral infection,
gum disease, or any bacterial infection that germinates in the mouth not only
causes problems in the mouth, but also enters the blood stream directly and
then affects the heart. Once the bacteria launches themselves on the tissues,
it attacks the heart and evolves in the form of coronary heart problems. Other
heart illnesses such as infective endocarditis, which is a serious infection of
the lining of the heart, can occur. Oral infection is mainly due to bacterial
attacks. Poor oral hygiene, like irregular brushing or flossing, eventually
leads to the decay of the food particles that are hidden in the crevices in
between the teeth. It results in gum infections and bad breath. It is seen that
anaerobic bacteria affects the gums and the bones that lie under it. It may not
be evident on the face of the tooth, but the bacteria could travel down to the
heart from the blood stream
?How
Can You Tell if Your Gums are Affected
Typically
healthy gums are a delicate pink and rather firm to touch. Once they are
infected, they change to a dirty pink color and almost feel like rotten fruit.
They are mushy and can also become very sensitive. They can start bleeding at
the slightest of touch. Eventually the infection causes the teeth to loosen and
fall out over a period of time.
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