The most recent studies have shown that there may be a relationship between dental infections and heart disease. First, you must remember that the mouth is connected to the rest of the body. For example, the blood that flow through an oral infection ultimately gets back to the heart. Any infection, including those in the mouth, will increase proteins in the blood, making the blood more sluggish. This sluggish blood can decrease the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, putting the heart at risk. Second, this sluggish blood may be more likely to clot, causing death of the heart muscle. Third, many of the germs that cause dental infections can also infect the heart, especially the heart valves. Such infected valves don't function properly and may actually spread the infectious agents to other organs in the form of contaminated blood clots (septic emboli). Dr. G.
The most recent studies have shown that there may be a relationship
between dental infections and heart disease. First, you must
remember that the mouth is connected to the rest of the body. For
example, the blood that flow through an oral infection...
More
Dr. De Vizio of Colgate answered:There is no proof that eliminating dental infections can reduce the risk of developing heart problems in the future. This is because taking care of an infection might not impact any underlying risk factors, such as older age, smoking status, cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and others. But this does not mean that eliminating infection is not important to preserve your gums and teeth. Dentists should aggressively attempt to clear up any infection.There is no proof that eliminating dental infections can reduce the risk of developing heart problems in the future. This is because taking care of an infection might not impact any underlying risk factors, such as older age, smoking status,... More
Dr. R. Tom Glass answered:The most recent studies have shown that there may be a relationship between dental infections and heart disease. First, you must remember that the mouth is connected to the rest of the body. For example, the blood that flow through an oral infection ultimately gets back to the heart. Any infection, including those in the mouth, will increase proteins in the blood, making the blood more sluggish. This sluggish blood can decrease the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, putting the heart at risk. Second, this sluggish blood may be more likely to clot, causing death of the heart muscle. Third, many of the germs that cause dental infections can also infect the heart, especially the heart valves. Such infected valves don't function properly and may actually spread the infectious agents to other organs in the form of contaminated blood clots (septic emboli). Dr. G.The most recent studies have shown that there may be a relationship between dental infections and heart disease. First, you must remember that the mouth is connected to the rest of the body. For example, the blood that flow through an oral infection... More
