2023-08-13 20:30:00
Changes in the mouth can often be a warning sign. This is also where the first, mostly inconspicuous signals from the body appear, which are considered to be bad harbingers of oral cancer. But signs of illness elsewhere are also conceivable.
Their meaning is not always immediately apparent. Experts agree that there are initial symptoms in the mouth that can indicate an increased risk of a heart attack.
Periodontitis as a trigger for heart attacks – there are a few reasons for experts
As the German Society for Periodontology (DG PARO) explains on their website that periodontitis and vascular and heart diseases are closely related. If periodontitis remains untreated, more bacteria can enter the bloodstream, even with everyday activities such as chewing and brushing your teeth. In the worst case, those who are predisposed to it are at risk of endocarditis.
The interesting thing regarding this connection, they both share common risk factors as well. The experts include not only things like smoking, but also genetic variants, so-called polymorphisms.
According to the report, such a predisposition to periodontitis does not always lead to a disease, but it can significantly increase the risk. A severe inflammatory reaction caused by bacteria in plaque can always be a warning sign.
Lower risk of heart attack – experts advise more oral hygiene
Anyone who suffers from one of the diseases will not notice much of it at first. It’s only when you get to an advanced stage that problems arise. But there are seven warning signs in the mouth that you should definitely heed.
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Basically, healthy gums and healthy teeth are important for the well-being of the whole body, as the DG PARO writes. It also says: “Inflammatory diseases in the oral cavity can affect the entire organism. Because bacteria or inflammatory substances get from the oral cavity into the bloodstream.”
The experts therefore warn that “a healthy lifestyle combined with thorough oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist for check-ups and treatments can significantly reduce the risks of periodontitis and tooth loss”. And regular self-monitoring can also help to identify the first symptoms of an increased risk of heart attack.
Seven warning signals for self-testing – you should pay attention to them
There is according to the Society for Periodontology seven warning signs in your mouth that you should definitely not ignore as soon as they appear. What do you have to pay attention to?
Reddened and swollen gums Frequent bleeding of the gums, for example when brushing your teeth or when chewing The gums recede, the teeth appear longer Sensitive teeth (tooth necks) Teeth become loose and can migrate Persistent bad breath and/or unpleasant taste in the mouth Pus discharge from the gum pockets
One should be aware that cardiovascular diseases and their consequences are still the second most common cause of death worldwide and the most common cause of death in industrialized nations. Traditionally, risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, elevated blood lipids, diabetes mellitus, obesity, lack of exercise, age and family history of cardiovascular disease are held responsible for the development of vascular changes and their complications. Periodontal disease is at the top of the list for a reason.
Chronic inflammation is more likely to lead to a heart attack
According to the DG PARO, chronic inflammation is one of the most important factors when it comes to the risk of a heart attack. Periodontitis is therefore such a chronic inflammation. It also ensures widespread distribution in the body and has “an important cause of the penetration of bacteria into the blood vessels”.
The problem with the research is that one cannot pinpoint the causal role of periodontitis in cardiovascular disease because there are “many common genetic and behavioral risk factors,” according to the report.
For the experts, the only fact is that “successful treatment of periodontitis also produces effects in the bloodstream and on the vessels”. As things stand at present, the result is a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
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