The Connection Between Gum Disease and Hearing Loss
Getting a clean bill on your dental health status from your doctor can also imply that your hearing health is excellent. Of course, this will definitely make you smile all day. But do you know that there is a link between gum disease and hearing diseases? Are you surprised by this revelation? Well, most people don’t know that there is a bridge connecting oral health and other essential parts of the body, especially the ear. This is one of the many reasons that dental health should not be ignored.
Not to worry, however, this article will teach you essential things to know about the connection between your oral and hearing health. Read on to discover more.
Many factors can be responsible for hearing loss, and gum disease is one of them. Pathogenic bacteria primarily cause tooth decay and gum disease. These bacteria enter the bloodstream to destabilize the entire body system. Once these bacteria settle into the bloodstream, they can lead to life-threatening diseases like heart diseases and diabetes, and other chronic health conditions. They can also cause hearing impairment and gum diseases.
The linkage between oral disease and ear disease
Until recently, doctors didn’t pay much attention to the link between oral and ear disease. According to various research, it was discovered that harmful bacteria from the mouth could inflame the narrow arteries and blood vessels in the ears and the brain. So, once these critical vessels are blocked, it can lead to hearing loss. Of course, if dental problems are not addressed, the treatment can also lead to hearing loss.
According to research carried out by dental professionals, like Dr. Judd Garson, the ears and oral health are connected. For instance, failure to brush your teeth or floss correctly gives leeway for harmful bacteria to form around your teeth and gums, probably resulting in hearing loss. Also, notable dental diseases such as periodontal disease, dental infection, and abscesses can enter your bloodstream. They can also move to the brain when they are not adequately treated.
Furthermore, bacteria are powerful because when they spread throughout the body, there is a high chance that their operations will negatively affect blood flow. So, when this happens, the possibility of developing hearing loss cannot be ruled out. The reason is that the hair cells in the cochlea need an adequate supply of blood to function properly. When there is a blood shortage in this body section, it may get damaged or permanently destroyed. If the blood circulation remains low, hearing loss is imminent.
How to ensure your gum and teeth remain healthy?
Keeping your gum and teeth healthy is vital to avoid hearing loss. So, follow the tips provided in this piece, and you can also ask your dentist for more professional advice.
1. Brush frequently
This may sound a bit surprising to most people because there is the feeling of “I brush my teeth every day.” Why this is true for most people, but to some, it doesn’t matter. Well, now you know it. One of the easiest ways to maintain oral hygiene is to brush your teeth frequently and at least once a day. Doing this will put you on track to maintaining a balanced and proper hygienic lifestyle, thus reducing the chance of being exposed to hearing loss.
2. Always floss your teeth after brushing
In addition to brushing frequently, always make sure your toothbrush is in good condition. Also, after brushing, make sure you floss your teeth properly, and as a golden rule, “Never share your toothbrush with anyone.” Flossing your teeth should be done regularly to remove tartar and other dirt from between your teeth.
3. The dentist is your friend
Like the ides of march in the Julio Caesar story, never fight with your dentist because they play a crucial role in helping you live an excellent oral hygienic life. So, to ensure your oral health is intact, it is advisable to visit your dentist at least once every six months. Doing this will enable you to have up-to-date information about your oral health. During the visit, your dentist will run a series of tests on your teeth. If any issues can cause discomfort, the routine check will help you in diagnosing the causes of the ailment and also proffer the recommended treatment.
Conclusion
Now you know that oral health is vital, and joking with this crucial part of your body makeup can adversely affect your overall health, especially your hearing. Also, it has been proven that failure to keep to oral hygiene can lead to hearing loss.
This means that to avoid hearing loss and other diseases, you should cater to your oral health. You can achieve this by following some of the recommendations provided in this piece. Also, ensure to visit your dentist regularly for professional advice and dental care.
