When periodontitis increases the risk of stroke!
Did you know that periodontitis, a very severe inflammation of the gums, can be directly related to increased risk of stroke or worsening of diagnosed cardiovascular diseases?
The link between both is inflammation that can have influence on tissues distant from the gums.
In fact, oral health is more related to cardiovascular health than one might think or thought at the time.
Even periodontitis can be a factor that has contributed to the development of very serious health problems, such as stroke, but not only…
With this article we will try to explain the link between oral health and the heart, what risk factors and what actions you can take to prevent Periodontitis.
This article will also be extremely useful to help you take care of your health as a whole, given that, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Institute (INE), cerebrovascular diseases (CVA) were the cause of the highest number of deaths in 2022, with 9,616 resident deaths from stroke, which accounted for 7.7% of total resident deaths.*
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Talking about Periodontitis is...
Periodontology is a specialty of dental medicine that is dedicated to the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases that affect the tissues supporting teeth: gums, bone and ligament.
Periodontitis is an evolution of gingivitis, a serious infection that now affects not only the gums but also the bone that supports the teeth. When inflammation is not treated, it can lead to loss of teeth and destruction of bone tissue.
In addition, we can also add that this condition is one of the main causes of tooth loss in adults.
Common factors in periodontitis and stroke
There are risk factors that contribute to the development of these diseases, and there is a common trio, specifically composed of**:
1. Tobacco
2. Obesity
3. Diabetes
To this short list we can add, in the second line, arterial hypertension and high cholesterol.
Now he has no difficulty understanding that by controlling these factors, he can help reduce the risk of both conditions.
Therefore, the relationship between periodontitis and stroke is clear and scientifically proven, but how can an infection in the gums affect the brain? The answer is inflammation!
Inflammation of the gums: the perfect driver for bacteria to enter the bloodstream
Periodontitis causes chronic inflammation in the body, which can lead to bacteria and toxins entering the bloodstream.
This is how these harmful agents penetrate and cause inflammation in other parts of the body, including the arteries, contributing to the formation of fatty plaques in blood vessels (atherosclerosis).
This situation increases the risk of blood clots that can block blood flow to the brain, which can result in a stroke.
Therefore, it is essential to recognize the early signs of periodontitis to prevent it from developing into a serious state that affects the entire organism.
How to prevent Periodontitis?
Prevention is indeed the only way to reduce the risks associated with periodontitis, other gum diseases, and even stroke. If so, do not neglect these actions in your daily life for the sake of your health:
- Brush teeth 2 minutes, 2 times a day, tilting the toothbrush 45 o towards the joint between the gum and tooth.
- Use interproximal scissors or dental floss between all teeth daily.
- Make regular visits to the dentist (6 every 6 months, at least).
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Be aware of risk factors
Do not smoke and have controlled chronic diseases such as diabetes or hypertension.
Add to all this the adoption of a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which helps strengthen the immune system, while reducing the consumption of sugars to prevent plaque formation.
The relationship between periodontitis and stroke only highlights the importance of taking care of oral health as part of a comprehensive plan to prevent heart and vascular disease.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and regularly consulting our dentists not only helps prevent dental problems, but can also significantly decrease the risk of serious health issues associated with it, such as a stroke.
After all, taking care of your gums is taking care of your heart!
If you suspect symptoms of periodontitis, seek help to avoid serious complications.
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