Gum disease can pose a risk to your oral health as well as your overall health. When food particles remain stuck in your mouth, they mix with saliva to form a substance called plaque. If you run your tongue across the surface of your teeth and feel a rough substance, you most likely have plaque. Plaque hardens after a while to form a substance known as tartar. Tartar is much more difficult to clean off the teeth as compared to plaque. This makes it an ideal environment for bacteria to breed. Read on for the link between stroke and gum diseases.
Link Between Gum Disease and the Risk of Stroke
As bacteria hide behind the tartar, it starts to produce acids that weaken the protective layers of the teeth and gums. Once weak enough, the bacteria breach your defenses to get access to the soft pulp of the tooth, the roots, and deep gum tissues surrounding the tooth roots. The tooth[[[char:39]]]s pulp, where the nerves are housed, gets a regular supply of nutrients and vitamins via the tooth roots, which allow blood vessels to pass through them. These blood vessels make their way all around the body and back to the heart. They also pass through vital organs such as the liver, lungs, and brain on their way.
Scientists have linked gum disease to a cardiovascular disease known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis occurs when blood vessels harden due to the build-up of fat or calcium within blood vessels. When a blockage occurs in a blood vessel, it cuts the blood supply to the respective organ. A stroke can occur when there is an interruption of blood supply to the brain.
How to Avoid a Stroke
Gum disease increases your chances of getting a stroke, as it leads to hardening of the blood vessels leading to the brain. Therefore, reducing your chances of contracting gum disease will also reduce your chances of developing a stroke. It is crucial that you deal with any symptoms of gum disease you might be experiencing. You can come in for a checkup to make sure your gums are healthy. Contact us to avoid dealing with complications in the future.
