HEART HEALTH AND GUM DISEASE: THE SURPRISING LINK

Without proper dental hygiene, gum disease can develop as a result of inflammation from the bacteria that isn’t being taken care of on a daily basis. There are primarily two types of gum disease: gingivitis-red swollen gums and periodontal disease-a bacterial infection of the tissues and bone surrounding the teeth. It’s the periodontal disease that is thought to allow the bacteria to enter our bloodstream, which in turn can cause issues with our heart. If a person already has a heart condition, the risk of getting a heart attack increases even more. Thus we must take a proactive approach in preventing oral diseases and maintaining our smile as well as our health.