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Research Shows Link Between Dental Health & Your Heart

Growing evidence shows that a trip to the dentist won’t only alert your dentist to cavities and poor flossing habits, but also periodontal disease—a chronic infection of the gums—which can be a red flag for more serious medical problems, such as heart disease and stroke.

According to Dr. Steve Boger of New Hope’s Boger Dental, there is a tremendous amount of evidence linking the health of the mouth to cardiovascular disease.

“The bacteria in the mouth can be transported to the heart,” he says. “It’s a real danger, and more people need to be aware of it.”

While more research needs to be done before it can be stated with 100 percent certainty that people with periodontal disease are at higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease, according to www.dentalcare.com, what is known is that periodontal disease is a bacterial infection, and all infections are reason for concern.

Some researchers believe that the bacteria comes loose while brushing, flossing, or even chewing and moves through the bloodstream to the arteries.

According to a dental article on www.mayoclinic.com, “When your gums are healthy, bacteria in your mouth usually don’t enter your bloodstream. However, gum disease may provide bacteria a port of entry into your bloodstream, affecting your cardiovascular system.”

Other researchers say that chronic gum infections can trigger a chain of events that causes swelling throughout the body. When the plaque that lines the arteries (arterial plaque) becomes inflamed, blood clots can form, leading to a heart attack. If the arterial plaque comes loose and travels to other parts of the body, it can cause a blockage in the brain, causing a stroke.

Research has also identified a correlation between people with diabetes and gum disease. When diabetics don’t take care of their teeth and gums, they’re more likely to get infections, leading to oral-related diabetes complications and high blood sugars.

Gum disease has also been linked to premature birth, certain cancers, eating disorders, substance abuse, and osteoporosis.

The bottom line is that when you take care of your mouth, teeth and gums, you’re not only making an investment in your oral health, but in your overall health, and that’s definitely reason to smile.

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