{"id":207,"date":"2020-02-07T21:48:38","date_gmt":"2020-02-07T21:48:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zumbrofamilydental.com\/blog\/?p=207"},"modified":"2020-03-10T21:49:16","modified_gmt":"2020-03-10T21:49:16","slug":"connecting-gum-disease-heart-health-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zumbrofamilydental.com\/blog\/connecting-gum-disease-heart-health-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"What\u2019s the Connection Between Gum Disease and Heart Health?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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When you think about keeping your heart healthy, do you\nthink about flossing? Probably not, but a growing body of research implies that\nwe should. Numerous studies confirm that your oral health influences your\ngeneral wellbeing, as well as vice versa. Recently, experts have begun to\nexamine the relationship between the gums and the heart, and you may find\nyourself flossing more often after learning the results. Here\u2019s what you need\nto know about the connection between gum disease and heart health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What is Gum Disease?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The plaque and tartar that build up in your mouth throughout\nthe day are brimming with bacteria. Not only do these bacteria cause cavities,\nbut they can also attack and infect your gum tissue. This is called gingivitis,\nthe earliest stage of gum disease. While you may notice that your gums are\ninflamed and bleed easily, gingivitis is very easy to accidentally overlook. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for periodontitis,\nthe advanced stage of gum disease. At this point, the infection has grown\nstrong enough to cause noticeable discomfort and permanent damage. It will\neventually reach the jawbone and destroy the connective tissues that hold your\nteeth in place, eventually causing them to fall out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Are Gum Disease and Heart Health Connected?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So how can an infection in your gums impact the health of\nyour heart? While more research is needed to fully understand the connection, studies\ncontinue to suggest that the presence of gum disease can increase a person\u2019s\nrisk of cardiovascular disease by up to 20%. Experts suspect the two main\nculprits between this connection are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n