{"id":61,"date":"2021-02-04T17:30:00","date_gmt":"2021-02-04T17:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.plushdentistry.com\/blog\/?p=61"},"modified":"2021-02-23T17:31:02","modified_gmt":"2021-02-23T17:31:02","slug":"american-heart-month-reduce-risk-gum-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.plushdentistry.com\/blog\/2021\/02\/04\/american-heart-month-reduce-risk-gum-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"How Keeping Your Smile Healthy Can Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Did you know that visiting your dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings<\/a> could end up saving your life? That\u2019s because your dental health impacts the health of the rest of your body. Gum disease in particular has been linked to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. Since February is American Heart Month, now is the perfect time to learn how you can keep your heart healthy by taking good care of your smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Link Between Gum Disease & Heart Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Multiple studies have revealed a connection between heart problems and dental health issues, especially gum disease<\/a>. In fact, the CDC estimates that about 50% of adults in the United States who are older than 30 currently have gum disease to some degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the early stages of this bacterial infection, people often experience gums that are red, swollen, or bleed when they brush or floss. This stage, known as gingivitis, can be reversed with the right at-home oral hygiene regimen. However, if gum disease is left to progress, bacteria can permanently damage your gums and other structures that support your teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After dangerous bacteria accumulate in your mouth, their toxins may spread to other areas of the body, including the heart. There, blood vessels may become inflamed and narrow, causing a blood clot to form and ultimately contribute to a heart attack. People who have gum disease are two to three times more likely to experience cardiac events that irrevocably alter their health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

To prevent harmful oral bacteria from building up, it\u2019s important to follow these tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n