Can bacteria in your mouth contribute to heart disease and stroke? Some studies suggest so. They say these bacteria might damage the heart directly once they enter the bloodstream. An expert panel of heart doctors said in 2012 there wasn't enough evidence to support this theory. More recently, heart clots from strokes have been discovered that provide evidence of associated mouth bacteria, suggesting good dental hygiene could protect your heart after all.
Diabetes can make gum disease more severe, and it can make it harder for your body
to heal from gum disease too. That's because high glucose in your saliva can
make it easier for bad bacteria to grow, causing plaque. And gum disease can
make diabetes worse, too, as it can make it harder to control your blood
sugar.
Your saliva
flushes out food debris and bacteria throughout the day. It carries enzymes
that break down bacteria. But dry mouth stops your saliva from doing its job of cleaning your
mouth. This can lead to tooth decay.
If you
clench, brace, or grind your teeth, the reason is most likely to be stress. Stress sends the
muscles of your body on high alert. This can contribute to teeth grinding.
Do you
have osteoporosis? Weak, brittle
bones are a problem for more than 54 million American adults, particularly as
they get older. Older people may also face greater risks of tooth loss. One
study found that molar teeth in particular may be lost in greater numbers in
people with osteoporosis.
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