{"id":242,"date":"2020-02-14T17:55:53","date_gmt":"2020-02-14T17:55:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dpmgeneraldentistry.com\/blog\/?p=242"},"modified":"2021-09-08T17:02:47","modified_gmt":"2021-09-08T17:02:47","slug":"can-gum-disease-cause-heart-disease-dentist-in-hamden","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dpmgeneraldentistry.com\/blog\/2020\/02\/14\/can-gum-disease-cause-heart-disease-dentist-in-hamden\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Gum Disease Cause Heart Disease?"},"content":{"rendered":"

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When most of us think about taking care of our heart, we picture getting regular exercise, eating plenty of leafy greens, and abstaining from smoking and drinking. Most of us don\u2019t imagine that brushing and flossing every day could benefit our cardiovascular health. But did you know that it can? According to multiple studies, there is a significant link between periodontal (gum) disease<\/a> and an increased risk for heart attack and stroke. A dentist in Hamden is here to explain the connection and how you can keep heart disease at bay by taking care of your gums.<\/p>\n

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The Gums-Heart Connection<\/h2>\n

The most popular theory for the association between gum disease and heart disease is known as the inflammation link. Periodontal disease is caused by oral bacteria irritating your gum tissue, causing them to become inflamed. If the condition isn\u2019t treated, pockets form between the teeth and gums. This creates an easy pathway for bacteria to access your bloodstream and travel to other areas of your body, like your heart. From there, bacteria can set off a chain reaction of inflammation all throughout your body, resulting in all sorts of health problems, including heart disease.<\/p>\n

Signs You May Have Gum Disease<\/h2>\n

To catch and treat gum disease before it results in cardiovascular complications, it\u2019s important to recognize the symptoms. Tell your dentist if you experience any of the following:<\/p>\n