There are many consequences that come with poor oral health habits. Aside from unattractive-looking teeth, which can take its toll on one’s self esteem, there are many more serious negative effects that bad oral health practices can have on a person. Many experts believe that oral health can be a mirror to overall health. 

One extreme and irreversible medical condition is stroke. Can a person’s oral health actually lead them to having a stroke? This blog post will help you understand how a person’s oral health plays an important role in their overall health. 

The Shocking Connection Between Oral Health and Stroke

Before we can begin to comprehend the connection between stroke and oral health, one needs to be able to understand what happens in the body when a stroke occurs.

What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when the brain is deprived of air. This may be caused by a blood clot that blocks the flow of oxygen from getting to the brain. In other cases, a blood vessel that bursts may also be the cause of a stroke. The effects that a stroke will have on the brain are irreversible, so it is important that the person who has suffered a stroke be taken to seek medical intervention immediately.

Understanding Gum Disease

On the other hand, gum disease is a preventable disease, although a great many people have it. Gum disease is caused by poor oral health habits and bacteria that cause an infection. If a person does not take care of their oral health and fails to practice minimal oral health habits such as brushing and flossing daily, food particles and other debris from meals will be left in between teeth and in the gum line. This will attract bacteria and cause infections in the gums if it is left untreated. 

Is There a Connection?

What is the connection between oral health, gum disease, and strokes? The key link lies in inflammation. Gum disease may cause severe bacterial infections in the bloodstream. This will make it more likely for blood to clot, which may potentially lead to a stroke. This will become more true if no dental treatment will be administered to cure the gum disease.

What You Can Do

One way to ensure that your dental health will always stay at an optimal level is to practice good oral health habits. Brushing your teeth at least two times a day, along with making sure that you maintain periodical visits to your dentist, will help ensure that gum disease and other serious oral health issues will remain at bay.

Conclusion

There are many benefits that come with taking care of your oral health. Having strong and beautiful teeth is a plus, but a person who practices good oral health habits will have fewer chances of developing dangerous and life-threatening medical conditions like stroke. Although the link between stroke and gum disease is not immediately apparent, it is undeniably present. This being said, if you make sure to keep your teeth and gums healthy, you will be more likely to keep yourself safe from strokes and other serious medical conditions.

If you want to keep your teeth beautiful and your gums healthy, visit Edmonton Smiles! We are the place for emergency dental, teeth whitening, and preventive services. If you want to get reliable teeth cleaning services in Edmonton, set an appointment with us today!

Posted in Clinical Advice and Oral Health Tips