Watch for Hidden Dental Infections-keep your teeth healthy

July 25, 2020

3 min read

Did you know that bacteria from a dental infection could not only lead to bone and tooth loss, but also other health problems? It can. A 2016 study conducted by the University of Helsinki in Finland found that people with hidden dental infections in the roots of their teeth were 2.7 times more likely to have coronary artery disease than people with healthy teeth. For several decades, medical researchers have also documented the connection between periodontitis (gum disease) and heart disease. According to the Harvard Heart Letter, research is still ongoing as to exactly how and why gum disease is associated with heart disease, but people with gum disease have two to three times the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular illness.

What are hidden dental infections?

If you have a toothache, you know you have a dental infection. But it's possible to have a serious dental infection with no symptoms. The Harvard Health Letter reports that one in five people over age 65 have untreated tooth decay.

One of the most common forms of hidden tooth decay involves the roots of our teeth. Bacteria can find their way into tooth roots and form an abscess (a pocket of infected pus). Although this sounds as though it would be painful and obvious, many times, it isn't. Over time, the infection can travel from tooth root to tooth root, and also infect the jaw.

What is gingivitis?

Tender, swollen, bleeding gums are a sign you may have gingivitis. Gingivitis is the first state of periodontal (gum) disease. Plaque, consisting of deposits of food and bacteria, can build up around your teeth and lead to gum irritation. If gingivitis goes untreated, it can grow worse, infecting your gums, and extending into the bone.

Bacteria from periodontal disease can get into your bloodstream, infecting your heart valves and causing dangerous and even potentially deadly complications.

What are other risks of hidden dental infections?

The exact connection is still being researched, but people with dental infections are more likely than others to have high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), pneumonia, and Alzheimer's disease.

Who is most at-risk?

As we age, we naturally experience more problems with our teeth. Our teeth also become naturally less sensitive as they age, so you may not feel a tooth infection the way you would have when you were younger. Our jaws, gums, and teeth also change as we age. Our gums naturally recede and expose more of the tooth which could have potential for infection.

If you have chronic health conditions like diabetes, or are taking medications which dry out your mouth, you are at a higher risk of dental infections. Dry mouth can directly lead to dental infections in as little as three months.

How can you keep your teeth healthy?

Good oral hygiene is important throughout our lives. Brush your teeth at least twice daily, and floss at least once a day. Make sure you're dislodging any bits of food and other debris.

Use fluoridated toothpaste and keep well-hydrated to avoid problems related to dry mouth. Our natural saliva helps to protect against gum disease and tooth decay, so if you're missing it, try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking sugar-free candies. Taking regular sips of water throughout the day can also relieve dry mouth. Caffeine and tobacco are both off-limits if you've got dry mouth. Each of them dries the mouth more and contributes to tooth decay and infections.

Also, take advantage of regular dental care. Depending on your oral health and other health needs, you should receive dental checkups at least twice a year, up to four times a year. With dental infections associated with heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and many other serious health conditions, keeping your teeth healthy isn't just important for a healthy smile, it supports your overall health and well-being.