Tooth Infection and Heart Disease
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Taking an estimated 610,000 lives every year, this condition is caused by a buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries. New research from the University of Helsinki in Finland has found that, as with gum disease, untreated tooth infection may increase risks for CAD and other diseases that fall under the umbrella term acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Unlike gum disease, indications that a tooth is infected may not be present until the problem has been allowed to progress significantly.
Symptoms of tooth infection may include:
- Sharp or dull pain in a single tooth
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Abscess
- Changes in tooth color
These symptoms may be present as soon as bacterial infection of the pulp chamber begins. However, tooth infection is often asymptomatic for quite some time, diagnosable only through x-rays and other advanced diagnostic tools. This is but one of many reasons it is so important to maintain biannual visits to our Cincinnati dental office for professional cleanings and examinations.
There is an indisputable link between oral health and systemic health. When proper care is taken of the teeth and gums, risks for a host of serious illnesses and diseases are decreased. Hypertension, kidney and liver failure, heart attack and stroke, and even dementia have all been linked to oral health problems. In this most recent study, latent tooth infection was shown to increase risks for ACS by 2.7-times. With proper oral care including twice-yearly visits with our Cincinnati dentists, you can help reduce these risks and keep your mouth and body healthy for years to come.
If you are overdue for a visit to the dentist, please contact Hardin Advanced Dentistry and schedule an appointment today. We serve the Greater Cincinnati area and all surrounding areas of Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana.
