The mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body, so your oral health can have a huge impact on your other systems. Unless they are treated right away, oral infections can spread to other areas of the body through the bloodstream. This includes the jaw, lungs, and heart. Oral bacteria have also been associated with brain abscesses. Read on to learn more about the link between the two.
What Is the Connection Between Oral Bacteria & Brian Abscesses?
An abscess consists of a bacterial infection and pus in body tissue. When this happens in the brain, it quickly becomes very series and even deadly! It makes itself known in a variety of symptoms, including headaches, fevers, seizures, and neurological deficits. The way that oral bacteria arrive there is through the bloodstream.
Your mouth is full of bacteria (both good and bad!). The goal is for these bacteria to balance each other out, creating a healthy ecosystem. However, if there is an overgrowth of bad bacteria, an infection can occur. This can spread through the bloodstream to other areas of the body, causing significant damage. Streptococcus anginosus is a type of bacteria that is commonly found in dental abscess and has been known to lead to infections of the internal organs, including the brain.
How Can You Prevent Oral Bacteria from Spreading to the Brain?
To prevent infections of the mouth from spreading to other areas of the body, it is important to address the issue at hand. Infection of the gum tissue, also called gum disease, is very common, affecting nearly half of adults over the age of 30 in the United States. Despite being so widespread, gum disease can be easily prevented by maintaining an excellent oral hygiene routine at home and seeing your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. Here are some steps you should take to keep your smile healthy.
- Brush twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Floss daily to remove plaque and food debris from between the teeth and beneath the gumline
- Rinse your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash.
- Limit your intake of sugary and starchy foods
- See your dentist twice a year for routine cleanings and checkups.
- If you notice changes, like inflamed and irritated gum tissue, let your dentist know
The health of your smile directly impacts the health of the rest of your body. By staying on top of your dental hygiene, you can reduce your risk of the serious effects of oral bacteria, like brain abscesses. If you think that you might have gum disease, this is the time to see your dentist. When addressed early, gum disease can be reversed with proper treatment. This way, you can keep both your smile and the rest of your body in good health.
About the Practice
At Woodhill Family Dental, Dr. Amy Horton and Dr. Jack Freudenfeld work together to treat patients in the Dallas area. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. If you are struggling with gum disease, they would be happy to help. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (214) 363-1406.