At times, tooth decay can be known as life threatening. Yes, I know this sounds crazy! There’s evidence that proves what goes on inside your mouth can cause different effects to your whole body and health. Different ways bacteria in the mouth can invade the body is an ongoing process. One thing at the top of the list is oral hygiene and cardiovascular problems. If someone has periodontal disease (gum disease) they are twice more likely to develop coronary artery disease.

“There are a couple of theories that may explain why there’s a link between heart disease and gum disease. In one, oral bacteria can get into the bloodstream through sores in bleeding gums and attach themselves to the fatty plaques lining the blood vessels in the heart. Once there, they obstruct blood flow, which can lead to a heart attack. In another theory, arterial inflammation caused by periodontal bacteria restricts blood flow, eventually causing a heart attack.”(Discovery fit & Health.com)

Has death ever occurred from incorrect brushing habits? Or maybe tooth decay and gum disease? It’s not 100% proven yet, however there’s background information to support the possible indication that your mouth and body health have a connection.

From a personal view, my sister woke up one morning with swollen gums and in pain! She took an emergency trip to the dentist. The doctor at the dental office then sent her to the emergency room because she had a terrible infection! She had to stay overnight with an IV until she could see an oral surgeon. If she didn’t admit herself to the emergency room immediately, the infection could travel through her blood. If an infection gets into the blood stream you can contract blood poisoning. Blood poisoning can create an all over body inflammatory due to an infection. A common word for this is Sepsis. Sepsis is known to happen from an infected tooth. This can be a serious condition which is mandatory for hospitalization or can be deadly!