Poor oral health has been discussed as a potential cause of heart disease for many years. According to published reports, those with poor oral health (gum disease or tooth loss) are three times more likely to suffer from heart problems such as a heart attack or stroke than those with good oral health.

Poor oral hygiene increases the risk of bacterial infections in the bloodstream. How does this infection enter the bloodstream of our body? For this, let's first understand the "periodontal pocket" that occurs in gum disease. To understand it easily, you can compare it to the pocket of your shirt. Now if we fill this pocket with sand, it will be difficult to clean, right? The deeper the pocket, the more difficult it becomes to clean!

Long-standing pyorrhea can lead to deep pockets that are a constant source of infectious microorganisms. Maintaining good oral hygiene is especially important if you have an artificial heart valve. Gum disease can also worsen existing heart conditions. Some blood pressure medications have been shown to cause severe gum inflammation, which may require surgical removal. Patients taking blood thinners may need to stop or change their medications before surgery due to the increased risk of bleeding. Inform your dentist about any changes in your health, blood pressure, sugar, and medications at each dental visit.

The mouth is an integral part of the body. Evidence from studies published in the recent past has begun to suggest a possible link between periodontitis and a number of diseases. Whether the link is direct, indirect or coincidental; good oral health helps maintain your health and digestion, which is reason enough to make oral health a priority. I humbly request you not to be lazy about getting dental treatment and visit your dentist regularly.