{"id":181,"date":"2019-05-05T15:57:11","date_gmt":"2019-05-05T15:57:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.darbycreekdental.com\/blog\/?p=181"},"modified":"2019-05-15T15:59:42","modified_gmt":"2019-05-15T15:59:42","slug":"gum-disease-heart-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.darbycreekdental.com\/blog\/gum-disease-heart-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Poor Oral Hygiene? How Gum Disease is Linked to Poor Heart Health"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"aYou\u2019ve been noticing your gums look a bit more red than usual. They\u2019re sensitive to the touch, and when you brush, they tend to bleed. This is the early stages of gum disease, and if you\u2019re not careful, it can advance into a much more dangerous situation that impacts not only your teeth and gums but your overall health, too. Taking care of your mouth is crucial in helping to prevent other diseases and health-related conditions from developing, but if gum disease<\/a> is already a problem, it may contribute to poor heart health as well. Read on to find out how.<\/p>\n

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Getting the Low Down on Gum Disease<\/h2>\n

You\u2019ve probably heard of gingivitis before, right? If you\u2019re unsure of what it is, gingivitis is when bacteria and plaque build up around the gum line and cause your gums to become red, puffy, and maybe even bleed while brushing and\/or flossing. Considered the first stage of gum disease, it can be reversed by thorough cleanings from your dentist and practicing good oral habits at home.<\/p>\n

However, if it\u2019s left untreated, it can become a bigger problem and develop into periodontitis, which is the second stage of gum disease. Periodontitis occurs when that same bacteria and plaque grow under the gum line and begin affecting the bone. Your gums may bleed and even recede, making your teeth appear longer than usual. If you notice your teeth loosening, it\u2019s because your bone is deteriorating. This can result in tooth loss.<\/p>\n

Two Peas in a Pod: How Gum Disease and Heart Health are Connected<\/h2>\n

Periodontal disease, otherwise known as gum disease, affects more than 50% of adults over the age of 30 in the United States. As the leading cause of tooth loss, it\u2019s not uncommon for dentists to treat gum disease on a rather frequent basis. If this startling statistic isn\u2019t enough to make you jump up and go brush and floss your teeth, maybe the fact that gum disease can have a direct impact on your heart will.<\/p>\n

When large amounts of bacteria and plaque form in your mouth, it can build up around your gum line and create pockets that produce pus. As the plaque grows, it spreads and enters your bloodstream. The plaque then begins to harden your arteries, which can be damaging and result in hypertension or a stroke. It can also lead you to have a heart attack because of the blockage that is created by plaque formation on your arteries.<\/p>\n

Stay Away! Ways to Prevent Gum Disease<\/h2>\n

If you want to keep your heart healthy and ticking strongly for decades or longer, then it\u2019s time to take a stand against gum disease and start taking care of your oral health. You can do this by:<\/p>\n