Tooth decay can have a much wider and more damaging impact than ruining your teeth, especially if it is left untreated. However, not many people know about the potential other ways that it can impact your body. Then, here are some of the health concerns that can be worsened by tooth decay, especially if you have a weakened immune system.
Heart Disease
You might believe that your teeth and your heart are far away enough to have little to no effect on each other. However, this is not the case, and those with prolonged tooth decay are at a greater risk of a heart attack than those without. This is because tooth decay involves a lot of bacteria gathering in your house and causing infection. This bacteria can sometimes travel through your blood to your heart and cause greater problems there.
This is because this bacteria can lead to inflammation around your body, including in your blood vessels. However, instead of panicking about this, you only need to visit your dentist at the first signs of tooth decay. These include discolored teeth and toothache. You can find a dentist by visiting sites such as directdental.co.uk and seeing what they offer their patients.
Stroke
A stroke might be a lot of people’s worst nightmares and occurs when blood is prevented from flowing to your brain. Some of the signs of a stroke include impaired movement, slurred speech, and vision problems. You must get medical attention from a stroke as soon as it begins to improve the chances of a full recovery.
Did you know, though, that tooth decay can increase your stroke risk? This is because the body takes inflammatory action against bacteria and infections, which can lead to a blood clot in the brain. To prevent decay from forming in the first place, you should reduce sugar and salt, brush your teeth thoroughly with the right amount of fluoride toothpaste, and ensure that you are not brushing too soon after snacks or meals.
Arthritis
Arthritis can cause you a great amount of pain and can restrict your movement, especially as it can start in multiple places in your body. There is no cure for arthritis and this can get worse as you age, especially if you have previously had an injury in the same spot.
Tooth decay can worsen cases of rheumatoid arthritis due to problems with inflammation, and this type of arthritis can also worsen any tooth decay that you are experiencing. It can also cause dry mouth, which can increase your risk of tooth decay by reducing the amount of protective saliva in your mouth and leaving bacteria to fester for longer.
There are many health conditions that can contribute to tooth decay, especially if you are taking medications for them. However, there are just as many health conditions whose root cause can sometimes be tooth decay. By knowing about your risk level, and keeping track of your teeth, you will be able to prevent negative effects from happening to you and your family.
