{"id":220,"date":"2022-02-07T21:19:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-07T21:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lauraphilippsdmd.com\/blog\/?p=220"},"modified":"2022-03-21T21:22:07","modified_gmt":"2022-03-21T21:22:07","slug":"dentist-in-midland-gum-disease-and-heart-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lauraphilippsdmd.com\/blog\/2022\/02\/07\/dentist-in-midland-gum-disease-and-heart-health\/","title":{"rendered":"A Healthy Smile Can Keep a Healthy Heart\u2014Here\u2019s How!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Besides Valentine\u2019s Day, February is also known as Heart Health Month. This is the perfect time to learn how to boost your cardiovascular well-being. From the best kinds of food to the latest workout trends\u2014you can try them all! There is, however, one other vital area most people don\u2019t know about when it comes to their heart health: their gums. Read on as your dentist<\/a> in Midland explains the importance of gum health for a strong heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Gum Disease & Heart Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Keeping your gums healthy is all about avoiding periodontal (gum) disease\u2014a bacterial infection in the gums that\u2019s due to plaque buildup. The condition usually starts with swollen or puffy gums, but if left untreated, it can worsen into periodontitis. At this point, the bacteria are powerful enough to damage the connective tissues that help hold your teeth in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If these dangerous bacteria escape into your bloodstream, they can travel to other parts of the body, especially your heart. Once the bacteria and the inflammation they cause reach the inner linings or chambers of your heart, you\u2019ll be at a very high risk of serious problems like heart attacks and strokes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do I Avoid Plaque Buildup?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While research is ongoing, it continues to point out that those with gum disease are two to three times more likely to have a stroke or heart attack. To significantly reduce this risk, it\u2019s important to avoid plaque buildup. You can achieve this by practicing the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n