Name : Naila Dinda Qurratul'ain

NIM : 221051060

Prodi : D3 Kesehatan Gigi class B

How does Oral Health Affect Heart Disease?

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Reasons for Tooth Infection Trigger Heart Disease 

Being lazy to maintain healthy teeth and mouth can cause problems with dental and oral health, one of which is tooth infection. The Journal of The American Heart Association reports that health problems in the mouth and teeth can cause heart disease. 

Not treating cavities can lead to a disease, one of which is a dental infection. This is because holes in untreated teeth can become breeding grounds for bacteria. 

Some bacteria that can cause cavities : Lactobacillus acidophilus, streptococcus, and Odontomyces viscosus. The bacteria enter through the bloodstream to the heart arteries.  

Also, it would help if you did not underestimate the condition of the gums. Besides causing gum infections, it can also lead to heart disorders, such as endocarditis. Endocarditis is a heart disorder when the endocardium or internal part of the heart becomes infected. This can happen when bacteria causing gum infections spread into the heart lining.

Symtomps and Warning Signs

✔ The gums are red, swollen and painful to the touch.

✔ Your gums bleed when you eat, brush your teeth, or floss your teeth.

✔ You will see pus and other signs of infection around your gums and teeth.

✔ The gums appear to be "pulled away" from the teeth.

✔ You often have bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.

✔ Some of your teeth are sagging or feel like slipping away from the other.

Prevention Measures

Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are the best preventive measures against periodontal disease. The American Dental Association's (ADA) website Mouth Healthy recommends brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristle brush that fits perfectly in your mouth, so it reaches every tooth surface adequately. The ADA also suggests using an ADA-approved toothpaste that has been shown to improve gum health in four weeks. You also have to floss daily and visit your dental hygienist for regular professional cleanings. 

Good Habits to Maintain Oral and Dental Health

1. Brush teeth at least twice a day 

2. Use mouthwash

3. Clean the tongue

4. Eat wholesome food

5. Routinely Examine the Dentist

By being proactive about your oral health, you can protect yourself from developing the relationship between oral health and heart disease and keep your smile healthy, clean, and beautiful throughout your life.