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™
Heart Conditions
and Oral Health
LIBERTY cares about more than just teeth!
© 2020 LIBERTY Dental Plan Heart-Conditions-and-Oral-Health-Eng RN 01 2020
fact:
Gum disease can
lead to heart
disease and
stroke
Good dental hygiene is important
for heart health
Here is yet another reason to brush and oss every day:
Researchers report that gum disease, which is caused
by poor oral hygiene, can not only result in pain and tooth
loss, but can also contribute to heart disease and stroke.
Those with gum disease have
nearly double the risk for heart
disease
as those with healthy
gums,
according to the
American
Academy of
Periodontology.
Gum infection is also
more prevalent in people
who suffer a certain type of
stroke. Researchers don’t yet
know exactly how gum disease
affects heart health.
Bacteria from infected gums may
enter the blood and attach to fatty
deposits in the blood vessels. Another
theory is that the inammation
from gum disease may be carried
throughout your body via the
bloodstream.
In certain types of heart disease,
fatty proteins build up and thicken the
walls of the arteries, which can lead
to restricted blood ow. This may then
lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Heart
Disease
Strokes
Bacterial
Infection
Clogged
Arteries
Taking care of your mouth
is one of the best ways to prevent a
wide range of health problems.
