That extremely painful tooth that started aching in the middle of December isn’t going to get any better. Unless you have a divine intervention or never had a serious problem to begin with, which can only be determined by a dentist, that sharp pain in your tooth that comes and goes will only get worse.
The American Dental Association explains that nagging toothaches are a sign that something isn’t right. You may have a cavity, or be suffering from gum disease.
Recent research indicates that there is a direct connection between your mouth and your body. If you suffer from gum disease, the bacteria and plaque that is building between your teeth and gums will seep into your blood stream leading directly to your heart. Some doctors and dentists believe that gum disease and congestive heart disease are related. Another disease that may be related to gum disease is Alzheimer’s.
Scientists studying the relationship between gum disease and other physical ailments such as stroke and heart attach claim that the link is swelling and inflammation. Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, makes it hard for your heart to pump putting you at risk when it comes to heart attack and stroke. Swollen and sore gums are a sign of gum disease as are bleeding gums.
Gingivitis, which is responsible for tender, painful and red gums is curable and the lesser of the two evils. If left untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease. Periodontitis means that you have infected pockets of pus in-between your gums and teeth. This allows the bacteria and toxins in your mouth and in the infected gum pockets to travel below your gum line and to the rest of your body.
Your gums are vascular. That means that your gums are loaded with blood vessels and your mouth full of bacteria. If your gum layer is disrupted the bacteria is allowed into your blood stream making you susceptible to disease.
Keep your mouth healthy this year and schedule a comprehensive dental exam, including an oral cancer screening, with our dentist today.
