Why seeing your dentist can keep you out of the cardiologist’s office

My dentist (and probably yours, too), has a sign on his office wall that says: “Ignore your teeth and they’ll go away.”

But ignoring our teeth can have consequences other than just losing them.

I’m sure you’ve heard — probably right from that giant poster in your dentist’s office — how poor dental care can lead to poor health. But a new study out of Finland has turned up another very good reason not to skip that check-up.

Even if your smile sparkles and you don’t seem to have any issues with your teeth, the Fins found that an undetected tooth infection — one that’s giving you no pain — can almost triple your risk of heart disease.

And some very commonly used drugs can even help promote this kind of heart-damaging infection.

The root of the problem

It’s no secret that gum disease has been linked to numerous devastating health issues, such as heart disease, pneumonia and diabetes.

But this new research focused on hidden infections in the root tip of a tooth, one that is probably giving you no problem and can only be found by your dentist or hygienist.

These root tip infections and resulting chronic inflammation, the researchers found, were associated with an almost threefold increase in the risk for coronary artery disease, or CAD.

The study also uncovered that this kind of tooth infection produces high levels of antibodies in the blood — ones that are associated with common bacteria — a tip-off that this hidden infection could be affecting other parts of the body.

Of course, I’m sure this isn’t the first time you’ve heard of an association between what goes on in your mouth affecting what goes on in your heart. But if you needed any more reasons to schedule a dental cleaning right now, here are some other things that unchecked mouth bacteria and chronic gum inflammation can do.

For example:

• Periodontitis, or gum disease, has been linked to diabetes and even an all-around lowering of immune function. And that’s something that can make you more prone to come down with health problems like the flu.
• Endocarditis, an infection found in the inner lining of your heart, can be triggered when excessive mouth bacteria hits your bloodstream, making its way to your heart.
• Having a baby with a low birth weight or delivering prematurely has also been linked to poor oral health.

As I said, some very commonly used drugs, both Rx and OTC can help promote dental problems by causing something called “xerostomia,” more commonly known as simply dry mouth.

You see, our saliva plays a very important role in reducing dental decay by keeping our mouths clean, controlling bacteria and slowing tooth demineralization. Saliva also protects our teeth from acidic foods and drinks by actually neutralizing acids and protecting the tooth surface.

While there are scores of drugs that can dry out your mouth, some of the most common ones include blood pressure meds, drugs for overactive bladder, antidepressants, antibiotics, and, of course, we all know the “dried-out” sensation from taking antihistamines.

But even if you’re already suffering from problems with your teeth and gums, dental treatments will not only help your mouth, but likely improve you general health as well.

Research published two years ago found that treating gum disease, even when it’s advanced, can reduce the chronic inflammation that links it to so many health conditions.

And if you’re suffering from dry mouth, these simple steps can help:

1. Cut back on the coffee and tea. Caffeinated drinks can be more like a mouth drying agent than a beverage!
2. Sucking on hard candy or chewing gum can stimulate salvia flow.
3. Don’t use a mouthwash containing alcohol, another drying agent.

Sources:
“Dental root tip infections increase risk for heart disease: Study” Stephen Feller, August 2, 2016, UPI, upi.com