{"id":129,"date":"2019-05-07T10:11:32","date_gmt":"2019-05-07T10:11:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.devonshiredental.net\/blog\/?p=129"},"modified":"2019-06-03T10:15:54","modified_gmt":"2019-06-03T10:15:54","slug":"downtown-boston-dentist-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.devonshiredental.net\/blog\/2019\/05\/07\/downtown-boston-dentist-3\/","title":{"rendered":"Are Strokes and Gum Disease Linked? Ask a Downtown Boston Dentist"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"IllustrationDid you know that almost 800,000 people a year suffer a stroke? Although this is a sobering statistic, there are ways you can reduce your risk, including some that may surprise you! Research shows that good habits like seeing a downtown Boston dentist for checkups and regularly flossing are more important than ever to keep your mouth and body healthy. And since May is National Stroke Awareness Month, it\u2019s a great time to learn about the connection between your oral health and your risk of stroke. Find out more below!<\/p>\n

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How are Your Gums Related To Your Risk of Stroke?<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s quite common to think of the mouth as somehow separate from the rest of the body. After all, the medical and dental fields are considered separate and even have different insurance plans. In the body, however, everything is very much connected.<\/p>\n

One common denominator of gum disease and stroke is inflammation in the blood vessels, and studies suggest that the inflammation involved in both conditions is connected. While a cause-and-effect relationship hasn\u2019t been proven, people who had chronic infections, including gum disease, were found more likely to suffer from a stroke.<\/p>\n

Bacteria are the source of inflammation in your gums and are also what plaque and tartar are mostly made of. It\u2019s thought that when plaque and tartar collect under the gumline, which happens more easily in the presence of gum disease, bacteria can easily enter the bloodstream. Once there, they travel throughout the entire body, essentially \u201cspreading\u201d inflammation wherever they go.<\/p>\n

In fact, gum disease has also been found to increase the risk of heart disease, Alzheimer\u2019s, pregnancy complications, and even certain cancers. Researchers think that inflammation (starting in the gums) is involved in these conditions as well.<\/p>\n

How Can You Reduce Inflammation In Your Gums?<\/h2>\n

Gum inflammation is also known as gum disease and occurs in stages. Early on, you may notice bleeding, swollen or tender gums, or chronic bad breath. In advanced stages of gum disease, chewing can be painful and the teeth may become loose (this is why gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss).<\/p>\n

By following these few simple guidelines, you can prevent or manage gum disease to reduce your risk of stroke and other diseases as well as tooth loss:<\/p>\n