Good Oral Health for a Happy Heart

Good Oral Health for a Happy Heart

 

According to a recent study done by the researchers in Taiwan the people with good oral hygiene had a significant lower risk of heart attacks and strokes. The percentages being lowered to 24 and 13 percent respectively. Poor dental health is assumed to be the major reason behind heart diseases. These findings were presented at the American Heart Association scientific meeting in Orlando. This study seemed to emphasize on professional scraping and cleaning for a better dental health. Dr. Zu-Yin Chen, a cardiology head at Veterans General Hospital in Taipei, also stated in his study the reduced risk of heart diseases in people who got tooth scaling done at least once every year. It reduces the bacterial growth and hence inhibits the inflammation and heart problems.

Plaque induced inflammatory lesions make up the vast majority of the periodontal diseases. Any periodontal disease increases the risk of heart problems to a major extent. the bleeding gums provide an entry to the bacteria into the main bloodstream and hence posing serious heart problems. The bacteria can travel anywhere in our bloodstream and cause inflammation which can further lead to the accumulation of fatty deposits that can clog the arteries. The clogging of the arteries hence has a direct link with the heart attacks and strokes.

If these bacteria enter the liver they can lead to high levels of protein production in our blood which can lead to the inflammation of the blood vessels and will eventually pose a risk of heart attacks and strokes. Atherosclerosis , a disease of the plaque building up along the artery walls causing them to become thick. Thus allowing for a very narrow passage for the blood flow and leading to high blood pressure problems, strokes, heart attacks and in some cases it might even lead to sudden death.

Bad dental hygiene can cause the carotid artery wall, the major artery in the neck, to become laden with plaque and can again be a reason for major health issues. Good oral health and hygiene can be very critical in preventing heart valve infections. Apart from these there are several other reasons as well to maintain a good oral health. Some of them can be good digestion,attractiveness,fresh breath, systemic health, a good night’s sleep, saving of money, comfort and convenience.

So regular trips to the dentist would provide much more than just good dental hygiene. Thus it is highly advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a good oral health for a safe life.