Gum Disease Affecting Conditions Outside the MouthIn gum disease, the usual suspect is bacterial infection. Some experts postulate that the bacteria causing gum disease will enter into the bloodstream. They attach to those fatty deposits in the blood vessels causing blood clots. This will lead to heart attacks.Furthermore, there's a correlation between heart disease and diabetes. And there are some pieces of evidence showing that patients with diabetes can benefit from getting professional teeth cleaning.
Despite the lack of studies that could confirm whether or not flossing and brushing can prevent heart disease, maintaining good oral health is imperative to general health.
Heart Disease and Oral Health
Patients suffering from a certain form of heart condition are known to have higher risk of infection of the heart, also known as endocarditis. It may not sound dangerous but it's life-threatening.This infection occurs when the bacteria in the bloodstream stick to damaged heart tissue or valves.Before a dental procedure is performed, patients with a heart condition may need to take antibiotics. It's also ideal to tell your dentist if you have a heart disease.If you had endocarditis in the past, your dentist may recommend antibiotics as pre-treatment. This is also necessary for patients with artificial heart valves and those who had heart transplants.But intake of antibiotics isn't necessary to patients with mitral valve prolapse, calcified aortic stenosis and congenital heart conditions, and the like.Pre-treatment antiobiotic may be necessary if you undergo a dental procedure that requires incision and manipulation of your gums and tissues.
Heart Attack
After you've suffered from heart attack, you can't undergo a dental treatment for six months. During a procedure, your dentist may provide you oxygen and nitroglycerin. And before undergoing any type of dental treatment, your dentist and your physician should first discuss your condition.It's important that you discuss whatever medicines you're taking for your heart disease. For instance, if you're taking anticoagulants, your dentist may recommend you to stop taking it temporarily before a dental procedure. However, you need to talk to your prescribing physician before you even stop taking the medicine in question.And before a dental procedure is performed, a complete blood test may be requested.It's always a must that you work with your dentist and physician. In this way, any problem during a dental procedure can be prevented. Always tell your dentist about the medicines that you're taking and what medical conditions you may have.Even though flossing isn't conclusive that it can indeed prevent heart disease, it's still necessary that you properly take care of your teeth and gums to achieve perfect general health.