Wisdom Teeth & Heart Disease: What’s the Connection?

Oral health is very important when it comes to your overall health, and gum disease could negatively impact your heart health. Although it hasn’t been conclusively proven, it is believed that dental issues such as gingivitis and periodontitis are connected to heart disease. In addition, dental surgeries such as tooth extractions can increase your risk of having a heart attack.

The Arrival of Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth, which are also called third molars, are the last permanent teeth to erupt in an adult’s mouth. They usually arrive between the ages of 18 and 25. If they are impacted, this might lead to decay and infection. This is because wisdom teeth are located in the back of the mouth. They are hard to reach and thoroughly clean with your toothbrush. As a result, bacteria grow around them and infect the gums.

The Risk of Gum Disease

Tooth extractions can cause jawbone infections and lead to different types of health issues such as coronary disease. It has been proven that if you have dental problems, you probably have more bacteria around your wisdom teeth than any others in your mouth. When this happens, the gums in that area of your mouth become inflamed.

This increases your risk for coronary problems and other illnesses such as diabetes. Bacteria enter the bloodstream and attach to various blood vessels. The chance of getting heart disease is higher.

Thus, there is a connection between wisdom teeth and heart disease when dental bacteria spread to other parts of your body via the bloodstream. Just as inflammation occurs in the mouth, the same inflammation can infect the inner lining of the heart and cause a stroke.

The Removal of Wisdom Teeth

As a result of the suspected connection between wisdom teeth and coronary problems, many people choose to have them removed, even if pain is nonexistent. It is advised that they are removed as early as possible, which is a great way to avoid future dental problems that could lead to dental issues.

Sadly enough, when they are removed at a later stage in life, it gives the roots and nerves more time to grow deeper. This makes it harder to surgically remove them. Opting for wisdom tooth removal at a later time in life increases the risk of encountering coronary health problems. Speaking with your favorite dentist is the first step to understanding the entire process. They’ll advise on when it’s best for you or a family member to have your wisdom teeth extracted.

The Importance of Oral Health and the Impact On Your Body’s Health

Although the evidence is strong, the connection between wisdom teeth and heart disease hasn’t been definitively proven. A smart way to reduce your risk of experiencing coronary problems is to focus on your dental health. Practice good oral health habits. Pay attention to your mouth and smile. Look for possible dental problems such as infections, cavities or abscesses.

Healthy gums should be light pink and firm. If they are receding, bleeding, swollen or red, then it’s time to make a dentist appointment. It’s also time to visit a dentist if your mouth hurts when you chew or bite food. These are all signs that you might have the following dental problems:

• Gingivitis- This is the early stage of gum disease. At this point, the symptoms are mild. Bacteria exist between your gums and teeth. It’s still possible to get back to normal, if the condition is caught in time.

• Periodontitis- This is a more advanced stage. The gums are inflamed due to released toxins from bacteria. If left unchecked, this stage could lead to bone damage and receding gums.

• Cavities- These are holes in your tooth that could turn into gingivitis or periodontitis.

According to the American Dental Association, health care leads to improved heart health. Here are some steps you can take to prevent heart disease when it comes to oral care:

• Brush teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.

• Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner.

• Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.

• Visit your dentist regularly for oral examinations and professional cleanings.

In Conclusion

The thought of getting heart disease can be pretty scary, especially if there is a connection to your regular dental habits. Oral health is an integral part of taking care of yourself, which means it must be taken seriously. No one can prove that there is a connection between tooth extractions and dental infection, but there are a few studies that have been done on the subject.

Many of these studies claim that if you have dental problems such as gingivitis or periodontitis, you are at a greater risk to acquire heart disease than someone who has optimal oral health. All in all, bad dental health could be a warning sign for other health related problems such as coronary problems or diabetes.