Can Dental Plaque Affect Your Health?
Posted on 3/15/2024 by Weo Admin |
 Plaque is a hub for different types of bacteria. Though some of the bacteria play a useful role in aiding digestion, some attack gums and teeth, causing tooth decay and gum disease. When this occurs, there is always a risk that the bacteria will get into the bloodstream through the diseased gums or tooth roots. Once in the body, the harmful bacteria can cause blood poisoning, a condition known as septicemia. Blood poisoning, in turn, causes sepsis, which is how the body reacts to the blood infection.
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that is usually treated as a medical emergency. Sepsis progresses rapidly and could cause death if not managed promptly. Symptoms of sepsis include chills, shivering, fever, paced heartbeat, extreme pain and discomfort, shortness of breath, and disorientation. Sepsis also causes organ damage and can easily lead to total failure of the kidneys, liver, pancreas, arteries, and lungs. Get medical attention immediately if you experience symptoms that point to blood poisoning.
Dental Plaque and Arterial Plaque
Dental plaque has been associated with a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. According to the Harvard Medical School, patients with periodontal disease are three times more likely to develop a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack, stroke, or cardiac arrest. The connection between dental plaque and cardiovascular disorders is the runaway bacteria from affected gum damaging the walls of arteries. This causes the arteries to harden and clog, inhibiting proper blood flow.
Dental Plaque and Oral Disorders
Dental plaque also affects your health by causing tooth and gum diseases. Tooth decay, periodontitis, and jaw osteomyelitis, which is an infection of the jawbone, affect your eating, communication, and overall well-being.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Dental Plaque?
Some symptoms point to dental plaque. One of these symptoms is bad breath that does not go away. The bacteria in the dental plaque release a foul-smelling acidic gas that causes bad breath. Then, you will have an uncomfortable fuzzy feeling in your mouth. As the plaque continues to accumulate, you will then have red, swollen gums that will be easily irritated and inflamed. Proper oral hygiene is the easiest way of keeping dental plaque at bay.
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