Mexico.- Poor oral health is related to heart disease due to the spread, through the bloodstream, of bacteria and other germs of the mouth, a specialist from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) warned on Friday.
In a statement, the dentist Federico Ángeles, responsible for the Oral Physiology Laboratory of the Faculty of Dentistry said that not paying attention to gum problems, burning mouth syndrome or musculoskeletal disorders, is associated with the risk of developing heart conditions.
According to a study conducted by Marcelo Kreiner, a dentist at the University of the Republic, in Uruguay, there is a greater likelihood that, as a symptom of a heart problem, a person has pain in the jaw, joints or gums, mainly women, the expert referred.
Ángeles explained that the mouth receives “constant attacks” of microorganisms, and hygiene and caries habits can cause, in the long run, more severe problems.
He said that the alkaline compounds in the food tend to weaken tooth enamel, which allows the generation of tooth decay.
According to the National Epidemiological Surveillance System, of the Ministry of Health, in Mexico more than 95% of the population over 40 suffer from loss of dental pieces or decay.
The problem is that when this condition is not treated, infections that reach the gum can be generated and abscesses are generated.
In addition, with tooth decay there is loss of enamel, which affects the pulp of the tooth and subsequently the gum, so that bacteria “that cause the bone to be lost” can be filtered.
If this problem, known as periodontal disease, is not treated in time, the tooth is lost, and if the infection is not treated properly, it reaches the bloodstream and affects organs such as the heart.
Despite this, he regretted that the Mexican culture does not have “dental health as a priority.”
He stressed that oral health is key throughout life, however, “going to the dentist is not a common practice in Mexico.”
“We think that a toothache does not cause death, but it should be taken into account,” he said and said he should be aware of certain symptoms such as pain in the jaw, joint and difficulties with the lower teeth. .
He explained that, in these cases, dental pain is throbbing and oppressive facial burning, which can occur on both sides of the jaw.
“The dentist should be aware of these symptoms and be aware of what is happening and the possible consequences,” he added.
The specialist stressed that the key to avoiding these problems is to attend dental health from childhood, which will prevent problems in adulthood.
He recommended generating a culture of dental hygiene and neglecting the fear of the dentist, who asked not to consider as the last solution but as a preventive tool that should be consulted at least twice a year. EFE
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