when a dental infection has gone too far...

dear community,

i've been posting here a lot because i've been dealing with a nasty mouth infection ...that i think i didnt even realize for years that i had... and, i've read that dental infections can go systemic and, do damage to a person's heart, and i'm very worried that could be possible in my case...

when i do have access to dental/medical care, i was wondering, (if someone reading this might know) what the name of that condition is - is it "endocarditis" when infection from an abscess has spread (?) or is that only the name for when s. mutans bacteria have spread? (or are the s. mutans and the infection run-off, the same thing?)

and should i ask my dentist - or should i ask a doctor - about this and, if there are any tests/what tests can tell if damage has been done to my heart from this?

(and of course i am wondering, if there's anything i can do, however little, to help my heart, or would it be too late?
...to help my teeth - and hopefully it might also help my heart, IF s. mutans is the same substance that weakens your heart from a dental infection - i am currently taking 3 teaspoons a day of xylitol, which is supposed to defend against s. mutans)

thanks to anyone who's read this post, and who might be willing to share their knowledge with myself and others...

blessings~ Tweet