Taking care of your mouth health can also mean a healthier heart, according to WebMD.
Many illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoporosis have been linked to gum disease. In fact, those suffering from periodontitis are three times as likely to have a stroke and twice as likely to suffer a fatal heart attack.
The connection between the mouth and the heart lies within the incredible amount of bacteria commonly found inside the human mouth, according to the Mayo Clinic. Most of these bacteria are harmless and can be controlled with daily flossing and brushing, but a lack of dental hygiene can allow them to get out of control and cause oral infections, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Certain medications, such as antihistamines and painkillers, can also slow the flow of saliva which is one of the most significant natural defenses in the mouth against harmful microbes. Bacteria can move through the bloodstream to places like the heart, potentially leading to endocarditis and other issues.
Elsewhere in the body, oral health can show that something else is wrong inside the body such as through lesions for HIV/AIDS and through its ongoing link with chronic diseases such as diabetes. Because diabetes lowers the body's resistance to infections, gum disease is more frequent among those patients. People living with Alzheimer's have shown a similar tendency as the condition worsens. The American Dental Association recommends regular dental checkups to protect overall health and they urge immediate attention for bleeding, red, or swollen gums, loose or separating teeth, persistent bad breath, or any changes to how the teeth feel in the mouth.
