{"id":564,"date":"2020-02-17T16:26:20","date_gmt":"2020-02-17T16:26:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hillavenuedental.com\/blog\/?p=564"},"modified":"2020-02-17T16:26:20","modified_gmt":"2020-02-17T16:26:20","slug":"american-heart-association-month-gum-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hillavenuedental.com\/blog\/american-heart-association-month-gum-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"The Connection Between Your Heart and Oral Health"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"computerOver the last several years, researchers have been studying the connection between our teeth, gums, and heart. They established links between one of the most common oral health issues, periodontal disease, and medical issues such as strokes and heart attacks. Since this February is American Heart Association Month, there\u2019s no better time to learn about how taking care of your mouth<\/a> can also reduce your risk of developing heart disease. Read on to learn what the research says and how you can protect your wellbeing.<\/p>\n

Establishing The Connection<\/h2>\n

In a study published in 2014, researchers examined a group of participants who had both gum disease and heart disease. They found that people who were treating their gum disease had to spend between 10 and 40 percent less on heart care than people who didn\u2019t have their oral condition treated. Through these studies, the researchers were able to determine a direct connection between the health of gums and the heart. A group of authors also reviewed several studies on heart and gum disease and found that infected gums increase a person\u2019s risk of developing heart disease by about 20 percent.<\/p>\n

Medical Conditions and Gum Disease<\/h2>\n

In addition to heart disease, periodontal disease has also been connected to other medical conditions throughout the body, such as respiratory infections and Alzheimer\u2019s. Studies have predicted that the same toxins released by harmful oral bacteria that cause gum inflammation can get into the bloodstream and travel to other areas of the body.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s predicted that when these toxins navigate their way towards the cardiovascular system, they can cause vital blood vessels and chambers of the heart to narrow. This causes the range of conditions that the term \u201cheart disease\u201d accompanies, including rhythm problems, strokes, heart attacks, and even failure. That\u2019s why the American Dental Association and American Heart Association have publicly acknowledged the connection between these two conditions to inform people of potential health risks due to an accumulation of oral bacteria.<\/p>\n

Preventive Health Tips<\/h2>\n

The best way to stop periodontal disease in its tracks is with early intervention. That\u2019s why your dentist recommends semi-annual checkups and cleanings. Each time they examine your mouth, they\u2019ll be on the lookout for common signs of gum disease, such as swollen or irritated gums, bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, or gum recession. If they do spot these issues, they can quickly develop a customized treatment plan to help reverse them before they get any worse, causing severe issues such as tooth loss. These appointments can be paired with good dental habits to help maintain good overall health. Here are some additional health tips:<\/p>\n