We call it infection whenever a bacteria, virus or fungus invades your body. Intact skin serves as one of the body’s best protections against microbes. In terms of our mouths, healthy, tight gums serve as that protection. But when our gums are bugged-up from poor oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes or another metabolic issue, the tissue becomes inflamed and fragile.
You’d never ignore a 2’-long cut on your arm- especially if it was teeming with bacteria- but millions of people pay no attention to the same phenomenon in their mouth. Puffy, red gums that bleed create a door through which dangerous bugs can enter the bloodstream. Then, where does the bacteria go? To all of your organs, such as the liver, lungs, and heart. Studies have shown the bacteria from the gums attaches to the arterial walls of the heart.
Healthy teeth and gums are important for reasons other than a pretty smile. People who are in need of heart surgery or valve replacement may have to delay the procedure because of poor dental health. They must first visit the dentist to have a check-up. All potential sources of infection must be eliminated, including gum disease, tooth abscess, and tooth decay. It will be necessary for them to get x-rays for the dentist to detect any disease not visible on the regular exam. Only then, are they cleared for the heart surgery.
People who are in need of a knee, hip, or shoulder replacement, must also follow the same guidelines as above. Left untreated, bacteria will travel through the bloodstream and attach to the replacement at the surgery site.
In conclusion, bacteria from the teeth and gums can enter the blood stream where they attach to the fatty deposits in the heart blood vessels. This condition causes blood clots and can lead to heart attacks. We now know that healthy gums can reduce the chance of high blood pressure, and reduce the risk of bacterial infections in artificial heart valves as well as artificial knees, shoulders, and hips.
Please keep your teeth and gums healthy. Visit the dentist twice a year.