Can A Tooth Infection Damage Your Heart?

Can A Tooth Infection Damage Your Heart?

September 1, 2022

Some foods encourage the growth of bacteria in your mouth, which can lead to decay and damage your gums and teeth. Therefore, avoiding these foods will help reduce the chances of getting a tooth infection. Nevertheless, avoiding these foods is not enough to ensure your teeth are free from bacteria that cause infection.

Proper oral hygiene and regular dental cleaning are recommended to remove the hard tartar in the deep parts of your teeth. If these recommendations are not followed, a tooth infection is inevitable, and when it occurs, it can have negative effects on your oral and overall health.

One of the detrimental effects of tooth infection is its impact on your heart, and we will help unfold the connection between tooth infection and heart.

What Are the Causes of Tooth Infection?

The major cause of tooth infection is poor oral hygiene. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth at least twice daily and flossing at least once daily. This is imperative as it helps prevent the build of tartar, which causes gum disease and infection.

What’s more, brushing and flossing daily helps remove bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria and tartar can erode your teeth and invade your healthy gums.

There are risk factors for a tooth abscess. First, if you regularly consume food that is high in sugar, this can put your teeth at risk of having a tooth abscess.

In addition, having a dry mouth creates a conducive environment for bacteria to thrive. Dry mouth is normally caused by aging issues and certain medications that leave your mouth dry. The best way to prevent dry mouth is by sipping water regularly, which will help nourish your saliva and ensure your teeth, gums, and mouth are moist.

What Are the Symptoms of Tooth Infection?

There are symptoms that indicate tooth abscess. First, when you experience a severe, persistent, throbbing headache that radiates to your ear, neck, or jawbone, this might indicate a severe tooth infection.

In addition, you might notice tender and swollen lymph nodes under the jaw or neck. It would be best if you visited a dentist immediately as they might recommend root canal therapy in St. Catharines, ON. Root canal treatment is used when the infection has spread to the center of your tooth, and the therapy will help prevent tooth loss.

A foul smell can also indicate a tooth infection. On top of that, the abscess can rupture, releasing foul-tasting fluid into your mouth. Dentists recommend making a salty fluid and gaggling it in your mouth if the abscess ruptures, as this will relieve pain experienced due to the infection.

Sensitivity is another indication of tooth abscess. When you drink hot or cold drinks and experience discomfort, this can indicate that bacteria have eroded your enamel. Additionally, you can experience sensitivity when you bite down or chew on your food.

Bacteria can penetrate your dental cavity through a crack in your tooth. The bacteria can spread down to your tooth’s root and gums, leading to inflammation. The swelling can spread to your face and cheek.

What Are the Complications of Tooth Infection?

Your heart can be affected by your oral health. For instance, if you have periodontitis which causes inflammation, the disease increases the likelihood of developing heart disease. This is because gum disease occurs when your body fights the growth of excess bacteria in your mouth. When the infection is not treated, it can spread from your bloodstream to your heart, which can be harmful.

How to Reduce Your Risk Of Heart Disease Through Your Oral Health Habits

Through proper oral hygiene, it is possible to avoid heart disease caused by tooth infection.

The dentists at Girardi Dental recommend brushing with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily. For better results, you should brush with fluoride toothpaste before sleeping at night.

Flossing is imperative in removing food particles stuck between your teeth. This is because the food debris can cause irritation and gum disease in the end.

When you prevent gum disease, you also prevent heart disease. So on top of practicing good oral hygiene, you should limit alcohol consumption, stay away from smoking, and maintain a healthy body weight. This is by exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet.

Our dental office in St. Catharines, ON also welcome patients from the below-mentioned nearby areas:

  • Port Dalhousie
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake
  • Beamsville
  • Lincoln
  • Port Weller
  • Lakeport
  • Grantham
  • Haig
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