{"id":142,"date":"2021-02-23T15:46:59","date_gmt":"2021-02-23T15:46:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pacificviewdentalgroup.com\/blog\/?p=142"},"modified":"2021-02-23T15:47:00","modified_gmt":"2021-02-23T15:47:00","slug":"gum-disease-and-heart-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pacificviewdentalgroup.com\/blog\/2021\/02\/23\/gum-disease-and-heart-health\/","title":{"rendered":"A Healthy Smile Supports a Healthy Heart"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Smiling<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States; in fact, on average, one person in the U.S. dies every 36 seconds from it<\/a>! February is American Heart Month, so it is the perfect time to pause to consider how you are caring for one of your most precious organs. Regular exercise and a balanced diet are both essential, but did you know that your oral health can also affect your heart? Let\u2019s talk about the link between gum disease and cardiovascular problems. We\u2019ll also discuss some steps you can take to protect both your smile and your heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Connection Between Gum Disease and Heart Problems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Numerous studies have been conducted to examine the connection between gum disease and heart problems. One review article even found that gum disease can increase the risk of heart disease by as much as 20 percent<\/a>. Separate research found that gum disease may heighten the risk of heart attack by a whopping 50 percent<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the reason behind the correlation between gum problems and poor heart health? More research on the subject is necessary before scientists can settle on a firm conclusion, but there are a number of possible explanations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n