Poor dental health has been linked to poor overall health. Gum disease, for one, has been connected to several health problems such as diabetes and stroke. Now a new study finds that people with untreated tooth infections are 2.7 times more likely to get a heart disease than people who have had treatment. The study, published in the Journal of Dental Research, is a great reminder why you need to get regular dental checkups.
The Tooth and Nothing But the Tooth
The main thing to remember about the study is that it applies to undetected tooth infections. It is preventable. The Oral Health Foundation added that a tooth infection is the result of tooth decay. Poor dental habits, in turn, trigger tooth decay. Some of the worst contributors to tooth decay are too much sugar consumption, which includes sweetened medication and sports drinks, and failure to regularly floss and brush teeth.
Smoking, which increases plaque buildup, can also lead to tooth decay, among other health concerns. According to Fresh Dental, quitting cigarettes can become part of your dental hygiene plan. It can reduce your risk for many oral health concerns, not just tooth decay.
Cut Your Risk Now
Some signs of a tooth infection include throbbing pain, sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink, tender discoloured or loose tooth, and swelling in your face. You can avoid all of the symptoms when you commit to better dental health today.
It starts with looking after your teeth and gums through regular brushing and flossing. When you feel pain or need a dental cleaning, see your dentist. Cut back on sugar. If you must try sweets, choose liquorice, which contains two substances that prevent and treat tooth decay and gum disease.
A tooth infection is preventable. Take good care of your teeth now before decay takes over. Follow a good oral care routine. See your dentist. Stop an infection now from increasing your risk for heart disease in the future.