Seeing your dentist in Reno in order to protect your heart may seem like strange advice, but in fact, there is a strong connection between oral health and heart health. To help celebrate Heart Health Month this February, we’d like to educate our patients and neighbors on just how important regular dental care is to protect not only your mouth but also your heart.
The Link Between Gum Disease and Heart Disease
The main connection between oral health and heart health lies in the gums. Years of research support a positive correlation between gum disease and the increased risk for complications with heart health. In fact, the Academy of General Dentistry states that those with gum disease are more likely to suffer a heart attack than those without gum disease. But how does gum health directly affect heart health? It all has to do with the way gum inflammation and infection can affect your heart.
How Can Gum Infections Give You a Heart Attack?
Even though infection of the gums may seem like no cause for concern, nothing could be farther from the truth. Not only does gum disease put your whole body at risk for problems such as diabetic complications and lung conditions, but it can also directly affect your heart health. When gums become infected, the bacteria that caused the infection in the first place aren’t isolated to just the mouth. They can easily enter the bloodstream and cause your body to over-produce something called C-reactive protein (CRP). Increased levels of CRP is a known precursor to heart attacks. According to The New England Journal of Medicine, elevated CRP levels can be more accurate at predicting a heart attack than high cholesterol.
Signs of Gum Disease
Knowing the signs of gum disease can go a long way in getting it treated early before your risk of other health concerns increases. Some common symptoms of gum disease include:
- Swollen, red, or tender gums
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing
- Consistently bad breath
- Chronic bad taste in the mouth
- Loose teeth
- Gums that appear to be pulling away from the teeth
What You Do to Protect Yourself
The best way to protect yourself from the dangers of gum disease is to practice good oral hygiene habits at home as well as visit your dentist in Reno at least twice a year for regular checkups. Make sure to brush and floss every single day to remove bacteria and plaque buildup, try to eat a well-balanced diet with limited sugary and acidic foods, and of course, avoid tobacco. It’s also important to share any health problems, changes in your health history, and medications with your dentist at each visit.
This Heart Health Month, and every month, take the steps to protect your oral health. It may just save your life.
Why is it so important to take action when you have periodontal troubles? When you suffer a cavity, the damage that results from decay can cause serious complications. You can reach a point where an infection spreads to your pulp, damages the living tissue housed in this space, and continues to spread to your jawbone. What happens when you let periodontal troubles escalate? You might not realize it, but the biggest risk factor when it comes to adult tooth loss concerns your gum health. Advanced periodontal infections lead to the destruction of bone and soft tissue that support your teeth. If you want to make sure that your gums stay healthy – and that your smile stays complete – make sure to 
You do not need to be an expert in the dental field to benefit from more knowledge 
Your goal when it comes to oral health care should be to keep your smile in the best possible condition for as long as possible. While aging can present some challenges to your preventive dental care habits, you should not feel as though tooth loss is something you are unable to avoid. If you feel concerned about the possibility of tooth loss, you should know that the biggest risk comes in the form of gum disease. Paying attention to your periodontal health today can ensure that your gums stay healthy, and that your smile stays complete. If you detect symptoms of a periodontal infection, your dentist can help by 
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You might not realize it, but the health of your gums can play a big part in your risk for tooth loss, and may even influence your risk for heart disease! Because periodontal health can be so important to your well-being, you should be on the lookout for possible signs of trouble. You may notice that your gums bleed easily whenever you are practicing your brushing and flossing habits. You could also see the tissue becoming red, or swollen. These problems can be indicators that you have a periodontal infection. Bringing this problem to your dentist’s attention can lead to treatment – in fact, your dentist can equip you with a 
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Do you take time during your oral care routine to check for signs of gum disease? Your periodontal tissue may not experience pain when infected, but there are symptoms you can identify. You may find that your gums are more likely to bleed when you brush and floss, or they may appear red or swollen. Gingivitis, the first stage of a periodontal infection, can be successfully treated. In fact, you can receive help from your dentist to target this problem. A 
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Gum disease is a threat to more than just your gums – an untreated condition could eventually lead to tooth loss. Gingivitis refers to the early stage of a periodontal infection. You can notice signs like a swelling or reddening of the gums; more frequent bleeding is also a sign that something may be wrong. When you notice these issues, 
