{"id":262,"date":"2020-02-05T00:45:42","date_gmt":"2020-02-05T00:45:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.richardfossumdds.com\/blog\/?p=262"},"modified":"2020-03-05T00:47:44","modified_gmt":"2020-03-05T00:47:44","slug":"preventive-dentist-in-temple","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.richardfossumdds.com\/blog\/preventive-dentist-in-temple\/","title":{"rendered":"Is It Really Possible for Your Oral Health to Impact Your Heart?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"womanMedical professionals are returning to a more Pre-Cartesian way of practicing medicine: in a more holistic manner. That means they are paying closer attention to how issues in one area can affect other parts of the body. Such is the case with oral health<\/a>. With this in mind, can dental negligence place you at a greater risk of developing heart problems? Your dentist in Temple provides the answer as you continue reading.<\/p>\n

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Blood \u2013 The Connecting Factor<\/h2>\n

The same blood that permeates your gums, travels throughout your body. Therefore, if you have an oral health condition that goes untreated, it can eventually spell disaster in other parts of your body. The primary nemeses to your dental health are oral bacteria, which are always present in your mouth. However, when there is debris left behind from the foods and beverages you consume, it becomes food for the microorganisms. This can cause them to grow at exponential rates, which can lead to plaque development.<\/p>\n

How Plaque Buildup Contributes to Gum Disease<\/h2>\n

Plaque is a clear-sticky substance that forms when hundreds of different types of oral bacteria mix with your saliva. The substance can coat the teeth to cause cavities to form, but it doesn\u2019t stop there. Over time, plaque can seep beneath the gum line to cause germ pockets to form. This is the first stage of periodontal (gum) disease, which is the inflammation and irritation of the gum tissue.<\/p>\n

If you notice any gum bleeding, lingering bad breath or foul taste in your mouth, it\u2019s important to bring it to your dentist\u2019s attention so you can be examined and receive the necessary treatment to rectify the issue. Otherwise, the bacteria will continue to travel, and the problems they cause could become far worse.<\/p>\n

How Untreated Gum Disease Can Affect Your Heart<\/h2>\n

The plaque-filled blood that permeates your soft tissue when you have gum disease can travel to the heart to pose life-threatening challenges. If the plaque is allowed to accumulate in the arteries, it can lead to heart disease or cardiac arrest. Thankfully, there are ways to prevent such serious problems from arising.<\/p>\n

The Power of Being Proactive<\/h2>\n

Here\u2019s what you can do to boost your oral health and contribute to a more functional heart:<\/p>\n