For years, we have simply considered tooth loss as an issue involving a deficiency in calcium and the progression of aging. The consumption of food items rich in calcium such as milk and dairy products were thus considered as preventative measures against tooth deterioration and frequent visits to the dentist. However, recent studies have shown that dental problems are strongly associated with cardiovascular disease, including blood clots, thus prompting the need to identify preventative measures against poor general health. In a recent report by Dr. Watt and colleagues in the journal PLoS One, dental problems may also be used as indicators for heart conditions including blood clots.
Treatment and Preventative Measures to Avoid Blood Clots
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The study was based on the fact that the occurrence of dental caries and other diseases of the teeth represented chronic conditions that may influence the quality of life of an individual. In addition, cavities that are not given immediate treatment by a dentist may also result in inflammation of the gums that surround the teeth. These sites are also optimal places for bacteria and other microorganisms, thus eventually resulting in systemic conditions that require medical treatment. A dentist often prescribes antibiotics as treatment for infected gums, and possibly anti-inflammatory medication as treatment for swelling. As preventative measure, patients are often encouraged to regularly brush their teeth to remove food residues in the mouth. Based on this association, it is thus important to examine the relationship between dental problems and cardiovascular diseases in order to design preventative schemes for a healthy body.
The report of Dr. Watt showed that the occurrence of dental problems that include symptoms of inflammation triggers the occurrence of bacterial infections. The dentist often performs treatment by giving antibiotics, yet it is also important to understand that the mere occurrence of an infection can also affect the immune system. Poor oral health may also include the loss of teeth, which is also an indicator of weak gums that are unable to provide the essential nutrients for the maintenance of teeth. As preventative measure against dental problems, it is therefore essential to lead a healthy lifestyle, including the consumption of food items that are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Good diet is also a preventative action against frequent visits to the dentist for the treatment of teeth ailments.
The study involved the participation of approximately 16,144 subjects who were examined in terms of dental health and other lifestyle components such as diet, exercise, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Other factors such as socioeconomic status, sex, and marital status were also reviewed. The occurrence of heart diseases and other systemic medical conditions were also collected. All these variables were examined in order to identify relationships between oral health and specific lifestyle and health conditions. The information generated from the study may also facilitate in the design of preventative measures against heart disease including blood clots, as well as to identify the best treatment scheme for conditions often examined by a dentist.
What Ties Oral Care and Blood Clots?
The results of the study showed that dental problems, which equate to more visits to the dentist, increased the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases. The study did not consider regular prophylaxis as a visit to the dentist, and thus only included dental problems such as tooth loss, cavities, and gum problems. Frequent visits to the dentist are generally based on the need for treatment for a painful cavity, or the need for treatment for gum problems. However, study participants who generally led a healthy lifestyle did not find the need to visit the dentist unless for regular teeth cleaning. The correlation between good dental health and leading a healthy lifestyle thus showed an effective preventative scheme against cardiovascular diseases.
The report has shown that good oral health may also serve as a preventative approach against heart disease and blood clots. Teeth are generally the least likely part of the body that are given attention by people, yet this study gives robust proof that the need for treatment of dental problems may also represent the cardiovascular condition of an individual. Eating healthy food items and exercising may thus help as preventative actions against cardiovascular and dental diseases, possibly decreasing the need for treatment of specific medical conditions.
