The importance of oral and dental health, which we need to pay attention to in every aspect of our lives, is increasing. Oral and dental health is becoming more important in every aspect of our lives. Especially poor oral hygiene can lead to easy reproduction of bacteria and the emergence of various health problems. Periodontology Specialist Dr. Lecturer Member Kadriye Merve Altıkat pointed out that neglected oral and dental health not only causes tooth loss, but also negatively affects our heart health, and said that a direct relationship between dental and gingivitis, called periodontal diseases, and heart diseases has been scientifically proven.
“CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH CONGENITAL HEART DISORDERS ARE AT RISK”
Pointing out that there is a relationship between gingivitis and heart diseases, Dr. Lecturer Member Altıkat said, “This relationship, which poses a risk for people who do not have any problems with their general health, poses a serious risk especially for children and adults with congenital heart disease, patients with heart valve prosthesis, and adults who have had heart surgery or have heart failure. “Not only during the extraction or treatment of rotten and infected teeth, but sometimes even during bleeding that occurs only during tooth brushing, the infectious agents here can mix with the bloodstream, reach the problem area in the heart and multiply there, causing a serious heart infection,” he said.
“THE PEOPLE WITH HEART DISEASE ARE GIVEN ANTIBIOTICS TO PROTECT AGAINST INFECTION BEFORE DENTAL TREATMENT”
Referring to the importance of protective measures, Dr. Lecturer Member Altıkat said, “As a preventive measure against this dangerous clinical case called infective endocarditis, patients in the risk group and with heart disease are given antibiotics to prevent infection before dental treatments. The most ideal treatment method for oral and dental health is preventive measures. “With oral and dental health care and regular dentist check-ups before the disease occurs, heart diseases can be reduced by 70 percent (significantly),” he said.
“TOOTHBRUSH SHOULD BE RENEWED EVERY 2 MONTHS”
Stating that oral and dental health is an important element that directly affects our general health, Dr. Lecturer Member Altıkat said, “We should not forget the impact of any negativities that may occur in our oral and dental health on our heart, one of our vital organs, and the vascular system surrounding it. “At this point, it is important to renew the toothbrush we use every 2 months and clean the spaces between our teeth once a day with dental floss or an interdental brush,” he said.
“REGULAR DENTIST CHECK-UP SHOULD BE DONE”
Emphasizing that regular dentist check-ups should start from an early age, Dr. Lecturer Member Altıkat said, “In terms of oral and dental health, it is important to have regular dentist check-ups starting from infancy and to have regular dentist visits at least twice a year. Only in this way can we diagnose serious tooth and gum diseases early. In addition to routine check-ups, it is important for individuals to cooperate with their doctor so that they can have a healthy oral and dental health throughout their lives and have a healthy smile at life. “It is necessary to apply oral care correctly and continuously as taught,” he said.
Finally, Dr. underlines that paying due attention to oral and dental health is important in protecting our hearts. Lecturer Member Altıkat said, “Thanks to routine check-ups and correct oral care habits, we can take steps for a healthy smile and a healthy heart.” (UAV)
