The Mouth and Heart Connection

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By taking care of your teeth and gums, you’re doing more than just protecting your smile health –  you are keeping your heart in better shape too! Research has proved that there is a strong link between oral health and cardiovascular health. Statistics show that those who develop gum disease are nearly twice as likely to have heart disease. This includes any stage of gum disease, from gingivitis to advanced periodontitis.

Why the connection? To understand why the condition of your gums could influence your heart, it is important to know more about gum disease. Gum disease begins when plaque is allowed to accumulate on your teeth and gums (commonly due to poor oral hygiene). Once plaque and excessive bacteria build up, it can cause inflammation in the gums. This leads to an infection, which can destroy the surrounding tissues and bone and eventually lead to tooth loss.

Inflammation is the key word when considering the link between gum disease and heart disease. Studies have shown that the underlying trigger for heart disease is inflammation, which can begin in the mouth! In addition, gum disease is commonly associated with bleeding gums. This allows even more outside bacteria to enter the bloodstream and reach the heart. When your periodontal health is subpar, your heart is not the only organ at risk. Gum disease has also been linked to diabetes, stroke, osteoporosis and premature births.

What can you do? To protect your smile and your heart, brush and floss on a daily basis and see your dentist twice a year. In addition, know the signs of gum disease. If you experience symptoms such as bad breath, bleeding gums, puffy gums, loose teeth, sensitive teeth or pain when chewing, make an appointment to see us at Basin Dentistry. By taking care of your smile, we can improve your overall health and wellbeing!

Posted on behalf of Basin Dentistry