“Washing teeth three times daily? Is that not too much?” Madam Ngo asked her friend Yejide, “No oh, I hear my children saying at least twice a day as taught by them in school. That means it could be more. “I beg, I don’t want teeth tartar, let alone any miserable (yeye) anthem.” She said, rather decisively.
“So you brush before morning meal, afternoon meal and after meal at night?”
Asked Madam Yejide. “Yes oh!” Came the response.
“Anyway, why don’t we finish this second series, so has to learn more on what to do.” said Madam Yejide. ,”You have a point there, you know. Let’s grab this month’s copy of PharmaTimes to continue the series. Here it is, sit here beside me and let’s read together;” Madam Ngo beacons.
Let’s have a recap first:
Bacteria from tartar can enter the bloodstream through bleeding gums, potentially reaching the brain. Research shows oral bacteria are found in 84% of stroke patients’ brains, possibly contributing to clot formation or arterial damage. Studies link high tartar levels to 2 to 3 times higher risk of cardiac death. Also, tartar-related gum disease often leads to tooth loss, which multiple studies link to increased stroke incidence.
With that said, let’s dive in. Digging deep to know more and to find a lasting solution to the challenges posed by teeth tartar.
But wait a minute, is this a joke or something? How on earth does bacteria from the mouth travel to the heart? How?
Bacteria from the mouth can travel to the heart through the bloodstream, primarily via compromised oral tissues or dental procedures. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
Entry into the Bloodstream
1. When Gum Damage Occurs: Bacteria enter the bloodstream through bleeding gums caused by brushing, flossing, or untreated gum disease (gingivitis/periodontitis.) Even minor gum injuries allow oral microbes like: Streptococcus mutans or Porphyromonas gingivalis to infiltrate the circulatory system.
2. Dental Procedures: Invasive treatments (e.g., tooth extraction) can introduce bacteria into the blood stream as well.
Transport to the Heart
Once settled in the bloodstream, bacteria circulate systemically. Specific mechanisms enable them to colonize heart tissue:
– Collagen-Binding Proteins: S.mutans uses a protein called CNM to adhere to and invade heart cells, particularly heart valves.
– Immune Evasion: Some bacteria evade immune detection and rapidly reach the heart within seconds.
Impact on the Heart
– Endocarditis: Bacteria like S.mutans can infect heart valves, causing inflammation (endocarditis.)
– Atherosclerosis: Oral bacteria contribute to arterial plaque buildup by triggering inflammation in blood vessels, increasing the risk of blockages and heart attacks.
– Systemic Inflammation: Chronic gum disease elevates C-reactive protein levels, a marker linked to cardiovascular inflammation and stroke risk.
Therefore, regular visit to the Dentist for dental care and prompt treatment of gum disease are critical to reducing this great risk.
Someone may ask, “If that is the case, is there anything I can do to prevent bacteria from entering into my blood stream?” Of course, there is actually more than one thing to be done to achieve this.
Now, one need to take the following steps in order to prevent oral bacteria from entering the bloodstream:
– By maintaining good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice daily for two minutes, floss daily, and use an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce harmful bacteria.
– Regular dental visits: See your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings to remove tartar and treat gum disease or abscesses promptly.
– Treat gum disease and infections early: Never ignore signs of gum disease or oral infections; timely treatment reduces bacterial entry into the blood.
– Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol: Smoking increases plaque and gum disease risk, impairing healing and increasing infection risks.
– Practice good skin care and hygiene: Wash hands frequently and clean any cuts to prevent infections that could spread bacteria systemically.
– Healthy diet: Eat nutrient-rich foods to support your immune system and oral health. Carrot helps the teeth, you know.
Antibiotics are generally reserved for specific medical conditions or procedures and not routinely used for prevention due to resistance risks.
These measures collectively minimize the risk of oral bacteria entering your bloodstream and potentially causing systemic issues like endocarditis or heart problems.
‘Also, once my teeth are healthy, I don’t think I have any problem.’ You are right and you must have read the following before saying that.
– Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, ideally for two minutes each time, using gentle circular motions to remove plaque effectively.
– Clean between your teeth daily using dental floss, interdental brushes, or water flossers to remove food particles and plaque where a toothbrush can’t reach. This is very necessary.
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– Brush your tongue gently every time to remove bacteria and prevent bad breath.
– Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings, typically once or twice a year, or more often if you have higher risk factors like gum disease or diabetes.
– Drink fluoridated water and consider fluoride treatments or rinses if recommended by your dentist to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay.
– Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks to reduce acid attacks on your enamel and lower cavity risk. This is a warning to lovers of sweets and sugary drinks.
– Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol consumption as these can harm your gums and overall oral health.
– Use an antimicrobial mouthwash if advised, to reduce oral bacteria and plaque buildup.
– Maintain a balanced diet to support oral and overall health.
Following these steps will help keep your teeth clean, gums healthy, and reduces the risk of dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
Also, nutritional health experts recommend the followings to help reduce oral bacteria and promote oral health:
– Green and black tea: Contain polyphenols and catechins that inhibit bacteria growth and acid production, thus helping prevent plaque and tooth decay.
– Garlic and onions: These have strong antimicrobial properties that fight bacteria causing cavities and gum disease, especially when eaten raw.
– Yogurt (especially Greek yogurt): Rich in probiotics that promote healthy oral bacteria balance and reduce harmful bacteria linked to decay and gum disease.
– Cheese and dairy products: Provide calcium and phosphorus to strengthen enamel, and stimulate saliva which neutralizes acids and cleans the mouth.
– Crunchy fruits and vegetables (apples, carrots, celery): Their texture helps mechanically clean teeth and increase saliva flow, which washes away bacteria.
– Cranberries and berries: Contain compounds that prevent bacteria from sticking to teeth and gums, reducing plaque formation.
– Water (especially fluoridated): Hydrates, washes away food particles and bacteria, and fluoride strengthens enamel against decay.
– Sugar-free gum with xylitol: Stimulates saliva and inhibits harmful bacteria growth.
Incorporating these foods and drinks into your diet supports oral health by reducing harmful bacteria and strengthening teeth, complementing regular brushing and flossing.
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