{"id":141,"date":"2017-12-15T23:58:04","date_gmt":"2017-12-15T23:58:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.veroimplantdentistry.com\/blog\/?p=141"},"modified":"2019-08-28T16:15:08","modified_gmt":"2019-08-28T16:15:08","slug":"dentist-in-vero-beach-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.premierdentalvero.com\/blog\/2017\/12\/15\/dentist-in-vero-beach-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Poor Oral Health Cause Heart Disease? Your Dentist Explains"},"content":{"rendered":"

Heart disease claims more victims each year than cancer, diabetes, and respiratory conditions. In fact, about 610,000 people die of cardiovascular conditions in the United States every year \u2014 that accounts for one in four deaths<\/a>! There are many different risk factors for heart disease, including old age, high blood pressure, and obesity. But did you know that poor oral health can also affect that remarkable organ that keeps your blood pumping? Your dentist in Vero Beach is here to talk about the link between gum disease and heart problems.<\/p>\n

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Bacteria from the Mouth Gets Everywhere \u2014 Including the Heart<\/h2>\n

The mouth is, arguably, the filthiest place in your entire body. Hundreds of types of bacteria exist there at any given time. Some of these bacteria are harmless or even helpful for your body. Other types, however, have danger written all over them.<\/p>\n

Advanced periodontal (gum) problems that cause the pink tissue around your teeth to bleed provides an open invitation for harmful bacteria to enter your bloodstream. Some types of the naughty little microscopic organisms even have clever ways of disguising themselves from antibiotics.<\/p>\n

Eventually, the bacteria attach themselves to fatty deposits in the vessels around the heart, which can increase the risk of blood clots, which in turn makes it more likely that you\u2019ll suffer from a heart attack or stroke.<\/p>\n

Just how strong is the link between gum disease and heart problems? Research has found that people who have periodontal health issues are almost twice as likely<\/a> to suffer from cardiovascular disease as people whose gums are in good shape.<\/p>\n

Protecting Your Heart<\/h2>\n

You might already be doing some things to keep your heart healthy, such as eating lots of whole grains, exercising regularly, and keeping an eye on your weight. But there is even more you can do: Take care of your oral health.<\/p>\n

Here are a few tips to help you prevent gum disease:<\/p>\n