{"id":64,"date":"2022-02-09T16:44:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-09T16:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mylubbockdentist.com\/blog\/?p=64"},"modified":"2022-03-21T19:15:24","modified_gmt":"2022-03-21T19:15:24","slug":"preventing-gum-disease-heart-healthy-dentist-lubbock","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mylubbockdentist.com\/blog\/2022\/02\/09\/preventing-gum-disease-heart-healthy-dentist-lubbock\/","title":{"rendered":"How Preventing Gum Disease Can Keep Your Heart Healthy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Valentine\u2019s Day might be what February is most known for, but did you know that it\u2019s also American Heart Month? This means now is the perfect time to learn how to take good care of your heart. While regular exercise is one way to avoid cardiovascular problems, maintaining great dental health is also essential, as gum disease<\/a> has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease. With heart disease being the leading cause of death in the United States, and gum disease being the leading cause of tooth loss, it\u2019s important to know how you can minimize your risk of both. Keep reading as a dentist in Lubbock explains the connection between the two and provides some easy, helpful tips!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Gum Disease & Heart Health: An Unlikely Connection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In short, gum disease is a bacterial infection that develops when plaque builds up on the teeth and gums. At first, it causes bleeding gums, swelling, and tenderness. Left untreated, it can damage the tissues that support the teeth, resulting in tooth loss!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A growing body of research has demonstrated that people with gum disease are more likely to suffer from a heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues. The exact reason why has not yet been proven, but one prevailing theory is inflammation. Gum disease inflames the oral tissues, and it can set off a chain reaction of inflammation throughout the body. This may damage the blood vessels, increasing the chances of a blood clot blocking the blood flow to the heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another possible reason is bacteria. When enough bacteria accumulate in the mouth, they could access the bloodstream and infect other areas of the body, including \u2013 you guessed it \u2013 the heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The definitive reason for the mouth-heart connection remains unknown, but one thing is for sure: avoiding both conditions is the smart thing to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Protect Your Smile (and Your Heart)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Luckily, preventing gum disease isn\u2019t that difficult for most people. Here are some simple steps you can take to decrease your risk:<\/p>\n\n\n\n