Gum disease and cardiac arrest

Did you know that the connection between gum disease and cardiac arrest is higher than the connection between high cholesterol and cardiac arrest.

The current theory is that bacteria present in infected gums can become loose and move throughout the body. The same bacteria that cause gum disease and irritate gums might travel to arteries.{{more}}

Researchers are unsure what causes the bacteria to become mobile, but it has been suggested that bacteria can be dislodged and enter the bloodstream during tasks as simple as brushing, flossing or even chewing.

Research shows that risk varies according to the level of gum infection. The worse the infection, the more likely the bacteria are to become blood-borne. Infected gums bleed, making it easier for bacteria to enter your bloodstream. If bacteria become dislodged, the bacteria enter through cuts or sores in your mouth and travel to other parts of the body through your bloodstream. Once a bacterium reaches the arteries, they can irritate them in the same way that they irritate gum tissue. This could cause arterial plaque to accumulate in the arteries, which can cause hardening and affect blood-flow. Compromised blood flow to your heart can cause a heart attack. Also, arterial plaque can come loose and travel to other parts of the body. If blockage occurs in the brain, it can cause a stroke. 

So, dental hygiene is very important, not just for the maintenance and healthy esthetic teeth and gums, but for a healthy individual as well. Please get regular check-ups, especially if you are afflicted by a chronic disease.

Dr Keith John

email:drkeithjohn@gmail.com

Clinic: SVG Dental Corporation

Telephone: 784-456-2220

Cell: 784-526-0752