{"id":208,"date":"2020-05-12T16:35:00","date_gmt":"2020-05-12T16:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dolfielddental.com\/blog\/?p=208"},"modified":"2020-06-18T17:36:21","modified_gmt":"2020-06-18T17:36:21","slug":"the-link-between-gum-disease-and-your-heart-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dolfielddental.com\/blog\/2020\/05\/12\/the-link-between-gum-disease-and-your-heart-health\/","title":{"rendered":"The Link Between Gum Disease And Your Heart Health"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Bacteria<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Gum disease can do more than damage your gums. Some studies\nhave shown that individuals who suffer from this condition are three times more\nlikely to have a heart attack. But why exactly is that? Read on to find out the\nsurprising connection between these issues and what you can do to protect\nyourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Does Gum Disease Affect Your Heart?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gum disease is primarily caused by bacteria. As they break down food in your mouth, they deposit a hard material on your teeth and gums known as plaque. Over time, the buildup of this substance causes your gums to swell and pull away from your teeth. Bacteria can then move into that newly created space and cause a severe infection. During this process, these bacteria can enter the bloodstream through blood vessels in your gums. The current theory is that these bacteria travel to your heart and cause the vessels surrounding it to become inflamed, just like they do to gum tissue. The inflammation makes it harder for blood to circulate, increasing your risk of a heart attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are The Signs Of Gum Disease?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you have gum disease, you may notice the following\nsymptoms in your mouth:<\/p>\n\n\n\n