{"id":231,"date":"2020-02-05T14:36:44","date_gmt":"2020-02-05T14:36:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.schumacherdental.com\/blog\/?p=231"},"modified":"2020-02-24T14:38:29","modified_gmt":"2020-02-24T14:38:29","slug":"learn-how-your-gum-health-can-have-a-negative-impact-on-your-heart","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.schumacherdental.com\/blog\/learn-how-your-gum-health-can-have-a-negative-impact-on-your-heart\/","title":{"rendered":"Learn How Your Gum Health Can Have a Negative Impact on Your Heart"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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February is not only American\nHeart Association Month<\/a>, but it is also Gum Disease Awareness Month! Making\nsure your oral and overall health are in optimal condition is important to\nliving a long, happy, and healthy life. But if you\u2019re wondering how these two\ncould possibly be connected, let a local prosthodontist explain how crucial it\nis to maintain good gum health to prevent a negative impact on your heart. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Gums and Heart: What\u2019s the Connection?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When gum disease attacks the soft tissue surrounding your\nteeth, you will notice that your gums become discolored and may even bleed when\nyou are brushing or flossing your teeth. Although considered an early stage of\nperiodontal disease, gingivitis, it is necessary that your dentist address the\nproblem quickly to prevent further progression of the disease. But why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several explanations, but one is the fact that\ngingivitis can be easily reversed with regular dental cleanings and proper oral\nhabits performed at home. If allowed to worsen over time, it can turn into\nperiodontitis, which is a much more aggressive form of gum disease that attacks\nthe bone and ultimately leads to deterioration of the jawbone and loosening\nteeth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But that\u2019s not all\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your heart comes into play when the infection and\ninflammation from the harmful bacteria enters your bloodstream. As plaque and tartar\nspread beneath the gum line, it can seep into your blood and travel to various\nareas of your body, one of which includes the heart. As a result, you can face\nheart attack, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, and a host of other\nproblems and health conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ways to Combat Gum Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To break it down quite simply, these are a few tips to\nconsider if you want to keep gum disease from creeping into your mouth:<\/p>\n\n\n\n