Your heart and your oral health. They may seem unrelated, but what you don't realize is just how connected the two really are. New research is showing that an increase in gum disease can lead to serious heart problems, including heart attack and stroke. Keep reading to learn more about the perio-cardio connection and how your dentist can help. A Serious Connection: How the Health of Your Gums Impacts Your Heart While you may think the biggest concern when it comes to your teeth and aging is tooth loss or decay, it's actually periodontal (gum) disease. In fact, your oral health can provide clues to your heart health better than most other parts of your body. That's because the same plaque that leads to tooth decay can also contribute to the plaque on your arteries, which can have a negative impact on your heart. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to have heart disease as those without it. Gum disease is caused by an accumulation of bacteria and plaque in the gums which release toxins that can circulate around the body. In particular, the body's arterial system may be affected as gum disease causes the walls of the arteries to become thick and hard. Narrowing of the arteries is a key component of heart disease. This is true even for young, healthy adults with no other symptoms of heart conditions. Early Detection for a Healthy Mouth and Healthy Heart When detected early, gum disease can easily be treated by your Bloomfield, NJ dentist. Notify your dentist right away if you notice any of these following warning signs: Gums that bleed easily Swollen, red and tender gums Gums pulling away from teeth Persistent bad breath or unpleasant taste Change in bite Loosening or separating teeth Early detection is always the best way to treat gum disease that can lead to tooth loss and heart complications. Prevention: The Key to Healthy Teeth and a Strong Heart Fortunately, gum disease can easily be prevented with good oral hygiene. Brush and floss regularly, eat a well-balanced diet and visit your dentist in Bloomfield, NJ for routine cleanings and check ups. And if you smoke, consider quitting as smoking may be one of the most significant risk factors for periodontal disease according to the American Academy of Periodontology. Prevention and early detection are your best defenses against gum disease. Your dentist can identify gum disease and other health problems in their earliest stages and administer the most appropriate treatment to restore your gums to back to health. The healthier your gums, the less risk you run of developing heart problems caused by narrowing of the arteries. Often taken for granted, the mundane task of brushing and flossing our teeth has never been more important in order to keep our gums healthy, especially with research pointing to a correlation between our heart and mouth. Talk to your Bloomfield dentist about gum disease at your next appointment for easy preventative tips.
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