Heart Disease Linked to Gum Disease

Gum Disease Can Contribute to Heart Disease and Even Stroke

Recent medical research has shown that gum disease contributes to the onset of stroke, heart disease, and many other life-threatening illnesses. So you can understand why treating gum disease is absolutely necessary in the fight to retain your overall good health. The American Dental Association has stated that upwards of 8 out of 10 Americans may have periodontal (gum) disease. Percentages this extreme should warrant treating it as a national epidemic. But because tooth loss has long been thought of as merely unpleasant, not immediately life threatening, the severity of the disease has been neglected for far too long. However, things are changing.
The American Academy of Periodontology has stated that "Studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases." Which means when you develop periodontal disease, the bacteria that infects your teeth and gums can infiltrate your other soft tissues, migrate into your bloodstream, and create havoc in your heart, lungs, and other vital organs.

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