{"id":107,"date":"2019-05-16T14:53:44","date_gmt":"2019-05-16T14:53:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marltoncosmeticdentist.com\/blog\/?p=107"},"modified":"2019-06-21T14:53:57","modified_gmt":"2019-06-21T14:53:57","slug":"can-gum-disease-affect-your-heart","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marltoncosmeticdentist.com\/blog\/2019\/05\/can-gum-disease-affect-your-heart\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Gum Disease Affect Your Heart?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"heart<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Have you ever found blood in your sink after brushing your\nteeth? Do you have bad breath that just doesn\u2019t seem to go away? Do your teeth\nlook longer than they used to? These are all early signs of gum disease, which\ncan cause a whole mess of problems in your mouth. But can it also lead to\nissues in your heart? Let\u2019s examine the possible link between gum disease and heart\nhealth<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What is Gum Disease?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gum disease starts with a bacterial infection in the gums\nand, if left untreated, could end with tooth loss due to the destruction of the\nbone and tissue surrounding your teeth. The first stage of gum disease, called\ngingivitis, begins with bacteria in plaque building up, causing the gums to\nbecome inflamed and bleed easily when brushing and flossing. The teeth are\nstill firmly in their sockets and are not loose yet. No irreversible damage has\nbeen done, so gingivitis can typically be treated by your dentist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Periodontitis, the second stage of gum disease, is not so\neasily treatable. When gingivitis progresses, the inner layer of bone and gum\npull away from the teeth and create pockets. These spaces can collect debris\nand become infected by bacteria that break down the fibers that attach teeth to\ngums. Teeth then become loose and can eventually fall out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s best to see your dentist right away if you\u2019re\nexperiencing any of these symptoms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n