{"id":65,"date":"2020-02-25T14:36:08","date_gmt":"2020-02-25T14:36:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.willowgrovedentist.com\/blog\/?p=65"},"modified":"2020-02-25T14:36:09","modified_gmt":"2020-02-25T14:36:09","slug":"gum-disease-and-heart-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.willowgrovedentist.com\/blog\/2020\/02\/25\/gum-disease-and-heart-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Oral Connections: Gum Disease & Your Heart"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Many people don\u2019t realize just how much their dentist\ncan improve their overall wellbeing. In fact, within the last several years,\nresearchers have found that treating\nand preventing gum disease<\/a> can benefit your cardiovascular system and\nreduce your risk of serious medical issues. Even though scientists have more\nresearch to conduct on the topic, they have discovered just how beneficial it\nis for people to take great care of their teeth and gums. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Does The Research Say About The Connection?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although there have been countless studies completed on this\ntopic, one in particular should be highlighted, which is a study from 2014.\nResearchers found that the participants in their study who were treating their\ngum disease had 10 to 40 percent lower costs associated with the care of their\nheart. These findings established a strong link between the two issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Authors also combed through several different studies and\nconcluded that gum disease increases the risk of developing heart disease by 20\npercent. However, they did add that more studies needed to be done in order for\na direct connection to be established. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With all of the evidence collected over the last decade,\nboth the American Dental Association and the American Heart Association have highlighted\nthe connection between gum disease and heart disease so people are aware of it\nand can take precautionary measures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s the Connection Between Gum & Heart Disease? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Researchers predict that the direct connection between gum\nand heart disease is the toxins released by harmful oral bacteria in the mouth.\nWhen these bacteria feed off of sugar and carbohydrates found in your plaque,\nthey release waste in the form of toxins that cause several of the early-stage\nsymptoms of gum disease. These include swelling, redness, bleeding, and\nirritation. When the issue is left to get worse, the toxins can make their way\ninto the bloodstream and travel to other areas of the body, including the\nrespiratory and cardiovascular system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once present in the heart, these inflammation-causing toxins\ncan increase your risk of experiencing heart attack, stroke, and other medical\nproblems caused by heart disease. That\u2019s why dentists recommend routine\nprofessional checkups and cleanings paired with thorough at-home oral hygiene. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can You Protect Your Wellbeing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even though gum disease is so prevalent, it\u2019s actually not\nhard to prevent. All that\u2019s necessary to look after your wellbeing is to focus\non regularly cleaning and caring for your teeth and gums. Here are some tips\nfrom your dentist in Willow Grove:<\/p>\n\n\n\n