Lack of dental hygiene Holes in the teeth can be deadly

A gullet study showed the effects of dental disease on the cardiovascular system
Those who have bad teeth risk bad heart disease, which can even end with death. One study showed the effects of dental disease on the cardiovascular system. Responsible for this are bacteria that cause inflammation. Not only the gums are then affected, but the germs can also pass through the bloodstream to the heart and there also trigger serious illnesses. Therefore, proper dental care is important to maintain a healthy heart.

In a Swedish study, a correlation between the number of teeth and the occurrence of cardiovascular disease was demonstrated. According to Anders Holmlund, the author of the study, there is a 7-fold increased risk of dying from heart disease in people with less than ten own teeth.

Swollen gums and tooth loss are typical symptoms of scurvy. (Image: irinaorel / fotolia.com)

For the study, 7674 people of both sexes, who mainly suffered from diseases of the periodontium (periodontitis, gingivitis), were observed over an average period of twelve years. The cause of death of the deceased participants in this period (629) was of particular importance.

The medical background: In the oral cavity in the individual up to 150 different bacterial species, a total of 700 could potentially colonize. If the microbes spread unhindered due to lack of hygiene or other reasons, inflammatory processes can occur. Harmful excretory substances of bacteria and specific immune reactions then burden the body and cardiovascular system. If the bacteria even get into the bloodstream, septicemia (sepsis) is to be feared.

Already at the Sanum Therapy Conference in Hannover, the dentist Ute Kracke pointed to the health consequences. Thereafter, periodontitis is considered a "reliable predictor of stable coronary heart disease." Furthermore, about 85% of the oral cavity bacteria are involved in the development of myocardial inflammation. Associations with increased risk of miscarriage, hypertension and the "cause of gastritis" Helicobacter pylori presented the dentist as scientifically known facts. (Sb)