{"id":5,"date":"2022-02-03T19:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-03T19:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aspenhilldds.com\/blog\/?p=5"},"modified":"2022-02-25T19:00:19","modified_gmt":"2022-02-25T19:00:19","slug":"gum-disease-in-aspen-hill-american-heart-month","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aspenhilldds.com\/blog\/2022\/02\/03\/gum-disease-in-aspen-hill-american-heart-month\/","title":{"rendered":"How Healthy Gums Can Lead to a Healthier Heart"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Since heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, people are naturally trying to take better care of their hearts as they grow older. This phenomenon has become so widespread that February has become officially known as American Heart Month. While it\u2019s no secret that a nutritious diet and regular exercise can benefit your heart, oral health<\/a> is also a key component of a healthy heart. Specifically, preventing gum disease in Aspen Hill may reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications. Keep reading to learn how!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Gum Health & Heart Health: The Surprising Connection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Recent research has shown a relationship between the health of your gums and that of your heart. While the exact link has yet to be identified, the prevailing theory is that inflammation is to blame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gum disease develops when plaque builds up in the mouth. Left untreated, bacteria can accumulate and attack the gum and bone tissue supporting the teeth, resulting in tooth loss. However, the bacteria could also access the bloodstream, where they may spread to the heart. At this point, inflammation might cause your arteries to narrow, making it more difficult for blood to reach your heart. This contributes to a host of cardiovascular issues, including heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Tell Whether You Have Gum Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now that you know the importance of avoiding gum disease<\/a>, you\u2019ll want to keep an eye out for its symptoms. Unfortunately, gum disease is often barely noticeable in the early stages. Still, let your dentist know right away if you experience any of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n