{"id":50,"date":"2019-05-21T19:54:03","date_gmt":"2019-05-21T19:54:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.crovattoandedwards.com\/blog\/?p=50"},"modified":"2019-06-21T19:54:26","modified_gmt":"2019-06-21T19:54:26","slug":"heart-and-gum-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.crovattoandedwards.com\/blog\/2019\/05\/21\/heart-and-gum-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Dentist Explains the Link Between Heart and Gum Disease"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"WomanAccording to a recent Harvard University study, people with gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) have two-to-three times the risk of suffering a heart attack, stroke or other severe cardiovascular event. While we\u2019re busy planning healthy diets, exercising regularly and trying to keep our stress levels low, many people overlook a strong oral hygiene routine, which is just as important for a healthy heart. In this post, you\u2019ll learn how to identify and prevent<\/a> gum disease\u2014and possibly even heart disease\u2014with a few simple steps. \u00a0<\/p>\n

How Are Your Mouth and Heart Connected?<\/h2>\n

It may seem like a strange connection, but researchers have long believed that gum disease increases the risk of heart disease. Gum diseases (such as gingivitis and periodontitis) are chronic inflammatory infections. They are caused when sticky, bacteria-infested plaque builds up around your teeth. This substance is not unlike the fatty, cholesterol-laden plaque that can harm your arteries and heart.<\/p>\n

The effects of gum disease are not limited to your mouth. The bacteria plaguing your gums can also travel to blood vessels across your body, most notably your heart. Once there, the bacteria cause blood vessel inflammation and damage, leading to blood clots, heart attacks and even strokes.<\/p>\n

What Are Signs of Gum Disease?<\/h2>\n

An early discovery and treatment of gum disease can help keep your entire body healthy. Make sure to talk with your dentist if you suffer from any of these common symptoms:<\/p>\n