February Is American Heart Health Month And Gum Disease Awareness Month!

Image
By Joplin Family Dental

February is American Heart Health Month and Gum Disease Awareness Month! This month’s blog post will be dedicated to shining a light on the link between gum disease and heart health.

Many studies show a link between gum disease (periodontal disease) and several serious health conditions – including heart disease – even after adjusting for common risk factors.

Fifty million Americans have moderate to severe gum disease. Of this staggering number, 40 million don’t even know they have it. And only 3 percent of those who do know they have gum disease seek treatment. Gum disease is easily prevented, yet when left untreated, it can lead to devastating effects well beyond tooth loss.

WHAT IS GUM DISEASE

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that support the teeth and is a major cause of tooth loss in adults.

Gum disease occurs when plaque builds up on teeth, which leads to infection. This infection can spread to the bloodstream, causing the body to produce an excess of C-reactive protein (CRP). High levels of CRP can create a whole host of other whole-body concerns including:

  • Inflamed arteries
  • Blood clots
  • Heart attacks
  • Strokes

REDUCE YOUR RISK OF GUM & HEART DISEASE

Joplin Family Dental in Joplin, MO is the best dentist office in Joplin! We offer expert, gentle, and thorough dental cleanings. We also offer treatment for the early and advanced stages of gum disease.

Call our office today at (417) 781-2900 to schedule a cleaning and examination.

With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, you can keep your teeth for a lifetime and avoid many significant health problems.

Related Articles