Experts know the link between gum disease and cardiovascular events, but new research shows why this relationship exists.
Gum disease is a chronic bacterial infection impacting the soft and hard tissues supporting teeth. It's linked to inflammation, which appears to be involved in blood vessel hardening, also known as atherosclerosis. People have been looking for McKinney dentist services for suggestions on oral hygiene.
What is a Stroke?
Before delving into the link between oral health and stroke, we must first define stroke and how it affects our body. A stroke is a process in which blood flow to the brain is suddenly interrupted. When the brain does not receive enough blood supply, it may result in permanent brain cell damage. Strokes can take two forms.
A stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is caused by a partial or total obstruction of blood flow to the brain.
Types of Strokes:
Stroke Caused by Ischemia
It occurs when a clot blocks an artery carrying blood to the brain. It happens by cerebral thrombosis, which occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in an artery leading to the brain. Another cause could be cerebral embolism, which occurs when a clot, air bubble, or fat globule (embolism) forms in another part of the body and travels to the brain via the bloodstream. A 'lacunar stroke' is a blockage in the tiny blood vessels deep within the brain.
Stroke with Hemorrhage
When a blood vessel bursts, it causes bleeding in the brain. A subarachnoid hemorrhage occurs when a blood vessel on the brain's surface starts to bleed into the space located between the brain and the skull.
A TIA is a transient ischaemic attack, also known as a mini-stroke. It occurs when the blood supply in the brain is temporarily interrupted. The symptoms are similar to those of a stroke but are only temporary, dissipating within 24 hours.
What Kinds of Dental Issues Cause Strokes?
Periodontal disease (gum disease) is associated with strokes in varying degrees, according to research studies from Germany, France, Sweden, India, and Korea.
Gingivitis: mild gum disease that causes inflammation.
Periodontitis: refers to a more severe gum disease that causes gum destruction.
Severe periodontitis can cause tooth decay and can also cause a loss of teeth.
All the above three types of gum disease are related to strokes, even Gingivitis, the mildest form.
The study discovered that having severe periodontal disease and tooth loss is a strong predictor of stroke and that people who had lost more teeth had more strokes.
Silent strokes are found to be predicted by tooth loss.
3 Silent strokes are strokes that people are unaware of because they do not cause visible disabilities. However, the accumulation of silent strokes over time can lead to disabling issues such as dementia.
What Types of Strokes Can Dental Issues Cause?
Many researchers have found a relation between gum disease and a lack of dental care, and ischemic strokes. Ischemic strokes occur when blood flow is interrupted due to a blood clot.
What's the link between stroke and oral health?
Gum disease is a preventable disease caused by bacterial overgrowth in the mouth. Gum disease symptoms include reddish gums, swollen gums, loose teeth, and bleeding gums. Gum disease progresses through several stages, each of which is more difficult than the previous one. Although gum disease can be treated, it is always better to prevent it.
Oral issues related to Strokes
Oral diseases like Gingivitis, periodontitis and tooth loss are all associated with inflammation and, in some cases, infection. Infections have been linked to an increased risk of stroke, possibly as a result of the body's inflammatory immune response to infections.
Inflammation and infection can sometimes make blood more likely to clot, resulting in a stroke. If serious dental problems go untreated for an extended period, the inflammation and infection caused by unhealthy teeth and gums can increase the likelihood of an ischemic stroke.
How to Keep Your Teeth Safe
Having good dental health is advantageous. Gum disease and tooth loss are best avoided by brushing and flossing teeth regularly, avoiding cigarettes, and visiting the dentist regularly. Gum disease is treatable and manageable once it has begun. A deep cleaning at the dentist's office is frequently advised.
Dental Care Costs
People have been ignoring oral health due to the cost of treatments. Even some health insurance plans cover the entire or a portion of the cost of dental care. The cost of oral care is much lower than the cost of living with a stroke (stroke is a costly lifelong condition).
Conclusion
As previously stated, gum disease is caused by an overabundance of bacteria in the mouth. These numerous bacteria have the potential to cause an infection. Gum inflammation occurs as a result of gum disease. This bacterial infection can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation, increasing your chances of developing a blood clot. This blood clot can potentially obstruct the artery (blood vessel) that supplies the brain, resulting in a stroke. As a result, anyone with poor oral hygiene is at risk of stroke. For emergency dental care in McKinney tx, one can contact Valley Creek. That is why we stress the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene. Keeping good oral hygiene is an excellent way to improve your overall health.