Oral health & CVD

Oral health is integral to general health, and we can't be healthy without oral health, which is vital for overall health.

- 

Like other areas of the body, our mouth teems with bacteria mostly harmless. But our mouth is the entry point to our digestive and respiratory tracts, and some of these bacteria can cause disease. Normally the body's natural defences and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, keep bacteria under control. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease. Poor oral health, particularly gum disease like gingivitis, periodontitis (red, swollen, bleeding gums, sensitive to the touch, pus formation, bad breath, bone loss and loose teeth/ tooth loss) involves inflammation and infection in the gums, which can lead to bacteria entering the blood stream.