{"id":372,"date":"2020-02-13T19:12:14","date_gmt":"2020-02-13T19:12:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jacksonvilledentalspecialists.com\/blog\/?p=372"},"modified":"2020-02-19T21:57:11","modified_gmt":"2020-02-19T21:57:11","slug":"periodontal-disease-and-heart-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jacksonvilledentalspecialists.com\/blog\/2020\/02\/13\/periodontal-disease-and-heart-health\/","title":{"rendered":"February Is Time to Think About Your Gum and Heart Health"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"smiling<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

February is a special month for several reasons. It is the\nmonth when romance is in the air, and it is when we are encouraged to think\nabout black history. It is also a good time to pause to think about your health\nsince it is both Gum Disease Awareness Month and American Heart Association\nMonth. Let\u2019s discuss how gum health can affect heart health, and the steps you\ncan take to protect both your smile and your heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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

Multiple scientific studies have established a correlation\nbetween heart disease and gum disease. For instance, one study considered data\nfrom individuals who suffered from both conditions. The researchers found that\nfor people who received care for their gum disease, their cardiovascular care\ncosts were as much as 40 percent lower than the costs for those who did not receive\ngum disease treatment.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A separate study even found that people with gum disease are two to three times more likely<\/a> to experience a stroke, heart attack, or other serious cardiovascular event than people who are free of gum disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the reason for the correlation between periodontal\ndisease and heart disease? Although research has not yet proven a direct\ncause-and-effect relationship, many scientists believe that the way gum problems\nincrease the body\u2019s burden of inflammation is a key factor in the gum-heart\nconnection. When it occurs on a short-term basis, inflammation is a good thing;\nit promotes healing. Chronic inflammation, however, is a major contributor to atherosclerosis\n(the buildup of plaque and fatty acids on the artery walls).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protect Your Smile, Protect Your Heart<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Doing your best to care for your gums may help you protect\nyour heart. Here are some tips to help you safeguard both of these important\nbody parts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n