Is the presence of concealed tooth infections causing your illness?
DeForest, WI

The traditional risk factors for chronic illness include poor diet, inactivity, smoking, and obesity, but research suggests that hidden tooth infections can also contribute to several conditions, including heart disease, endocarditis, pneumonia, autoimmune disorders, and dementia.

As a result of the lack of symptoms, mouth infections under crowns, implants, root canals, tooth sockets, and jaw recesses can be difficult to detect. 1 in 4 people could have a hidden tooth infection without even knowing it! It is crucial to get regular dental examinations from a qualified dentist to prevent hidden infections from deteriorating and increasing your risk of chronic diseases.

The latest research has linked tooth infections to some serious health issues.

Diseases of the heart:

A study by the University of Helsinki found that patients with undiagnosed root tip infections had 2.7 times greater risk of developing acute coronary syndrome than those with healthy teeth. The low-grade inflammation and bacteria involved are believed to affect other parts of the body. Furthermore, antibodies to periodontal organisms have been found in heart plaques that can cause heart disease.

The endocarditis:

Researchers found that bacteria in tooth plaque multiply and cause gum disease, leading to bleeding and widespread bacteria infection in infective endocarditis, a rare, life-threatening inflammation of the heart muscle and valves. They began recommending antibiotics to patients at an increased risk of endocarditis before dental procedures.

Infection with pneumonia:

Researchers at Yale University School of Medicine found changes in the mouth often preceded pneumonia, a lung infection that affects roughly one million Americans each year. To avoid pneumonia, experts recommend early detection of risk factors, such as bleeding gums, loose teeth, bad breath, and swelling. Because pneumonia can kill 50,000 (or five percent) of the people who get it, early detection is crucial.

Disorders of the immune system:

A 30-year analysis of Swedish patients found a correlation between oral health and autoimmune disorders. Throughout 30 years, subjects with a higher plaque index were more likely to develop an autoimmune disorder. Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Henoch-Schönlein purpura, and ulcerative colitis are all considered autoimmune diseases. There were 46% of patients with autoimmune diseases who were missing at least one tooth.

Alzheimer’s disease:

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society found that those who brush their teeth less than once a day were up to 65 percent more likely to develop dementia than those who brush daily. Researchers speculated that gum disease bacteria could enter the brain, where they could cause inflammation and a gradual loss of cognitive function.

The highly trained dentists at Innovative Implant and Oral Surgery in DeForest perform complete oral health exams at every visit, so you never need to worry about your health. Contact us to schedule your next appointment.