Can dental flossing stop heart disease? The link between maintaining good dental health and preventing cardiovascular problems has not yet been established by science. To fully comprehend the relationship between heart disease and general oral health, more research is necessary.
However, research has shown that heart disease, one of the top causes of death for both men and women, may be influenced by chronic gum disease.
Gum Disease Affecting Conditions Outside the Mouth
The typical suspect in gum disease is a bacterial infection. According to some doctors, the germs that cause gum disease will enter the circulation. The blood clots they cause are caused by their attachment to those fatty deposits in the blood arteries. Heart attacks will result from this. Additionally, there is a link between diabetes and cardiac disease.
Moreover, there is some proof that diabetic people can gain advantages from having their teeth cleaned by a professional. Even if there aren’t any studies to prove that brushing and flossing will stop heart disease, keeping good oral health is crucial for overall health.
Heart Disease and Oral Health
A certain type of cardiac problem is known to increase a patient’s risk of endocarditis, which is an infection of the heart. It may not seem hazardous, but it poses a life-threatening risk. When injured heart tissue or valves meet bloodstream-borne bacteria, an infection develops. Patients with a cardiac disease might need to take antibiotics prior to a dental operation.
Additionally, if you have heart disease, you should let your dentist know. Your dentist could suggest taking antibiotics as a preventative measure if you’ve ever had endocarditis. Patients who have prosthetic heart valves and those who have received heart transplants must also do this.
However, people who have mitral valve prolapse, calcified aortic stenosis, congenital heart problems, and such do not need to take antibiotics.
If you have a dental operation that entails cutting and manipulating your gums and tissues, a pre-treatment antibiotic may be required.
Heart Attack
After having a heart attack, you must wait six months before getting dental work done. Your dentist might give you nitroglycerin and oxygen during a treatment. And your dentist and your doctor should first discuss your condition before you have any kind of dental treatment.
It’s crucial that you talk to your doctor about any medications you’re taking for heart disease. For instance, if you use anticoagulants, your dentist could advise you to temporarily cease taking them before having dental work done. But before you even cease taking the medication in question, you should consult your prescribing doctor.
Furthermore, a full blood test may be required prior to a dental operation. You must always collaborate with your dentist and doctor. Any dental procedure issues can be avoided in this way. Always be honest with your dentist about any medications you are taking and any potential medical conditions.
Even if there isn’t solid evidence that flossing can prevent heart disease, you must properly take care of your teeth and gums to reach optimal general health.
