"We have known since childhood that sweets are harmful to teeth. However, very few people understand that tooth decay can harm not only the tooth enamel but also the heart."
Medianews.az reports, citing Oxu.Az, that this was said by Russian dentist-implantologist Dmitri Dmitriyevich.
The specialist explained the ways to keep teeth healthy and how dangerous untreated tooth decay is for the whole body:
"Ancient humans almost had no dental problems – the spread of tooth decay was only 1-2%. With the transition to agriculture, this rate rose to 6%. With the spread of processed foods and sugar, this figure in modern countries has reached 90%. Bacteria in the tooth enamel secrete acids, while mineral components try to neutralize them. However, these minerals wash away, resulting in a cavity forming in the tooth."
Cardiologist Kristina Vulf noted that the problem poses a systemic threat:
"Through the damaged enamel, bacteria penetrate the tooth and gums causing periodontitis. This inflammation is an independent risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Infection in the oral cavity enters the bloodstream, deposits on the walls of blood vessels, and can cause pyelonephritis, worsening of joint and gastrointestinal diseases."