What's the link between the mouth and the heart ? Answers from Dr Hemou Pidem, Dental Surgeon

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Extract from the article: Studies have shown that oral diseases can lead to complications or destabilize heart disease. When there's a pathology in the mouth, the infections there can migrate into the bloodstream and position themselves on the heart. This is very serious for

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Studies have shown that oral diseases can lead to complications or destabilize heart disease. When there's a pathology in the mouth, the infections there can migrate into the bloodstream and position themselves on the heart. This is very serious for heart health. So it's important to know that there's a link between the heart and the mouth. Diseases of the mouth can lead to complications of the heart, and conversely, diseases of the heart can also lead to complications of the mouth. So good oral health is very important.

What are the possible routes for a mouth infection to migrate into the bloodstream ?

There are a number of different routes through the tooth. Two examples are : tooth decay. Tooth decay creates a hollow (a hole) in the tooth, and microbes often pass through this hole into the bloodstream, which goes to the heart. Apart from tooth decay, there are also gum problems, and the same pathway is used, i.e. From the diseased gum to the heart via the bloodstream.

What advice can we give the public ?

Everyone, whether they have heart disease or not, should visit their dentist at least every 6 months, so that the dentist can check their oral quality. If there are any problems, they can be corrected to avoid complications later on. With heart disease patients, we really have to be rigorous about oral hygiene, because the complications of their condition depend on it.

When it comes to oral hygiene, the technique, timing and means of brushing are all very important. Oral hygiene is recommended for everyone, but those already suffering from an illness, such as heart disease sufferers and diabetics, are strongly advised to maintain very good oral hygiene. Because any disease, germ or microbe in the mouth can create complications for the illnesses they already have. They should always go to the dental surgeon to take care of their mouth to avoid complications.

Interview by Elom AKAKPO