{"id":91,"date":"2020-02-18T17:30:36","date_gmt":"2020-02-18T17:30:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kentuckysedationdentist.com\/blog\/?p=91"},"modified":"2020-03-04T17:35:29","modified_gmt":"2020-03-04T17:35:29","slug":"connection-gum-disease-and-heart-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kentuckysedationdentist.com\/blog\/2020\/02\/18\/connection-gum-disease-and-heart-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Gum Disease and Heart Health: The Surprising Connection"},"content":{"rendered":"\"womanMost people are aware that advanced periodontal (gum) disease can have devastating consequences for an individual\u2019s oral health. It can cause bleeding gums, bad breath, gum recession, tooth loss, and more. However, many people are under the mistaken impression that gum disease stops there. In fact, it can seriously affect overall health as well. Let\u2019s take a moment to examine the link between gum disease and heart health. What you discover might surprise you!\r\n\r\n\r\n

Gum Disease and Heart Problems: A Clear Correlation<\/h2>\r\nIn the recent past, multiple research studies have examined the connection between gum disease and heart disease. While the results vary from study to study, the overall thrust of their results is the same: gum disease increases the risk of heart disease. One group of researchers found that gum disease increases the risk of heart disease by 20 percent. A separate study, published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation, <\/em>found that gum disease increases the risk of heart attack by 50 percent<\/a>.\r\n

Does Gum Disease Cause Heart Problems?<\/h2>\r\nThe above information makes it clear that there is a correlation between gum disease and heart disease. But does that mean that gum disease actually causes <\/em>heart problems? It\u2019s difficult to say. The two conditions do have some common risk factors, such as smoking. More research is necessary before anyone can say with certainty whether gum disease has a direct bearing on heart health.\r\n\r\nWith that being said, however, many scientists believe there is a strong possibility that gum health does indeed affect heart health. Their belief stems from the fact that gum disease increases the body\u2019s burden of inflammation. Acute inflammation, which occurs on a short-term basis, helps the body to heal. But chronic <\/em>inflammation, such as what is caused by gum disease, is harmful. It contributes to atherosclerosis, a condition wherein fatty plaque deposits cling to the artery walls. Atherosclerosis is a huge risk factor for strokes and heart attacks.\r\n

Care for Your Gums, Protect Your Heart<\/h2>\r\nThe undeniable link between heart disease and gum disease should provide you with strong motivation to care for your gums. Here are a few tips that may help you protect both your heart and your smile:\r\n