{"id":142,"date":"2019-11-09T14:37:08","date_gmt":"2019-11-09T14:37:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.belchertown-dentist.com\/blog\/?p=142"},"modified":"2019-11-25T14:38:31","modified_gmt":"2019-11-25T14:38:31","slug":"discover-how-avoiding-gum-disease-can-protect-your-heart-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.belchertown-dentist.com\/blog\/discover-how-avoiding-gum-disease-can-protect-your-heart-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Discover How Avoiding Gum Disease Can Protect Your Heart Health"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Are you one of the millions of people who suffer from gum\ndisease and don\u2019t even know it? It\u2019s highly possible considering it is one of\nthe most common dental problems dentists see. If you think it is only\nnegatively affecting your oral health, guess again. Your overall well-being is\nat risk, especially, your heart. Find out how periodontal\ntherapy in Belchertown<\/a> can help restore your gum health and ways to avoid\ndeveloping gum issues in the first place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What is Gum Disease?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease attacks the gums\nand causes them to become inflamed. When plaque and tartar build around the gum\nline, it causes harmful toxins to break down your gums and result in the\nformation of gum pockets. This detachment from your teeth makes it easier for bacteria\nand food particles to become trapped, increasing the likeliness for inflammation,\ninfection, and bleeding gums. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are the Stages of Gum Disease?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you first notice that your gums look red and puffy, it\nis safe to say that you are most likely experiencing the early stage of gum\ndisease, which is known as gingivitis. With regular dental checkups and\ncleanings and proper oral hygiene practiced at home, this can usually be\nreversed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should gum disease be left untreated, you can develop\nperiodontitis, which is a more advanced form of periodontal disease. The\ninfection will begin to spread beneath the gum line and break down the bone and\nteeth. This can lead to bone and tooth loss, as well as additional health\nproblems due to the infection and inflammation entering the bloodstream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can Gum Disease Cause Problems for My Heart?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your body can experience a wide array of negative effects as\na result of gum disease. One of the most common areas to be impacted is your\nheart. When you ingest the bacteria in your mouth, it enters your bloodstream\nand when combined with inflammation, any plaque that exists will build on the\narteries. When this happens, your blood flow becomes inadequate, resulting in a\nblockage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Everything from a heart attack to a stroke can occur, and\nindividuals have been known to develop diabetes as a result. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can I Avoid These Problems and Protect My Gums and Heart?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you want to improve your gum health, the following steps can\nhelp:<\/p>\n\n\n\n