You many believe it but it’s true! Periodontal disease and heart disease have been shown to be linked. Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are nearly twice as likely to suffer from heart disease as those without periodontal disease.
Harmful bacteria that live in excess accumulation of a thin film of material on your exposed tooth surfaces called dental plaque is what commonly cause periodontal disease. Bacteria involved with periodontal disease can enter the blood stream were they can affect the heart, attaching to fatty plaques in the heart blood vessels and contributing to clot formation. Heart attacks may follow, since there will be blood clots that can obstruct the normal blood flow. Prevention is a must! Good oral hygiene that fights bacteria is the best prevention against periodontal disease and heart disease. Through thorough brushing and flossing, you can keep the bacteria populations low and thus effectively prevent periodontal disease and possible heart disease.
