You know you can prevent yellow teeth and bad breath with proper oral hygiene, but what about heart disease? Heart disease and gum disease are potentially linked. Periodontitis and gingivitis cause inflammation and excess bacteria – two things that can increase the likelihood of heart disease and stroke.
What’s the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis is characterized by sore and swollen gums, which can bleed during brushing. It’s caused by a build-up of plaque, but at this stage there’s no permanent damage to your teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis, or gum disease.
Periodontal disease is an infection. The gums pull away from the teeth, which can create pockets for bacteria to fester. Plaque can grow beyond the gum line, and bacteria can spread into your bloodstream.
What causes gum disease?
Gum disease usually occurs in the areas you aren’t keeping clean, but a variety of factors can increase your risk. Your risk for gum disease could be higher if you:
It’s important to visit the dentist more frequently when you’re pregnant, since hormonal changes increase the likelihood of periodontal disease. Quitting smoking and tobacco use can also drastically decrease your risk for gum disease. However, you can mitigate these factors through proper oral care.
Follow these tips to prevent gum disease:
Protect your mouth from disease! Make an appointment with Shoreline Dental Studios in San Clemente, California, today.
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