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Practicing good oral hygiene is important in order to maintain healthy teeth and gums. But even more than an attractive smile and a happy dentist, your oral health can also have an impact on the health of your heart. In fact, new research studies have shown that there is a direct link between the health of your gums and heart. This means that the same plaque that leads to decay can also contribute to the plaque on your arteries, and that can have a negative impact on your heart. With that being said, daily brushing, flossing and regular check ups with your Lakeview dentist isn't just about saving your teeth and enhancing your smile- it's about protecting your cardiovascular system. The Perio-Cardio Connection According to the American Academy of Periodontology, people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to have heart disease as those without it. Gum disease is caused by an accumulation of bacteria and plaque in the gums which release toxins that can circulate around the body. In particular, the body's arterial system may be affected as gum disease causes the walls of the arteries to become thick and hard. Narrowing of the arteries is a key component of heart disease. This is true even for young, healthy adults with no other symptoms of heart conditions. Even more daunting, heart disease is not the only health risk associated with periodontal disease. Studies have also linked gum disease to other conditions including premature births and diabetes. Keeping Gums Healthy for a Healthy Heart With research pointing to a correlation between heart disease and gum disease, taking care of your teeth and gums is more important than ever. This means you should seriously think about improving your daily oral hygiene which includes brushing and flossing to promote healthy gums and teeth. Regular check ups and cleanings with your Lakeview dentist are also important. A dentist can detect gum disease in its earliest stages and administer the best course of treatment to eliminate the infection that could otherwise lead to more extensive dental damage and health problems. Warning Signs of Gum Disease When detected early, gum disease can easily be treated by your Lincoln Park and Lakeview dentist. Notify your dentist right away if you notice any of these warning signs: ? Gums that bleed easily ? Swollen, red and tender gums ? Gums pulling away from teeth ? Persistent bad breath or unpleasant taste ? Change in bite ? Loosening or separating teeth While additional research is needed to learn more about the connection between heart disease and gum disease, dentists are advising their patients to step up their dental health habits in order to prevent life-threatening heart conditions. Talk to your Lincoln Park and Lakeview dentist, Dr. Jeffrey Feffer, at your next appointment and find out if you're at risk for gum disease. Dr. Jeffrey Feffer is a leading and experienced dentist in 60614, serving patients in the Lincoln Park and Lakeview neighborhoods of Chicago. Bringing years of experience to the dental field and a passion for helping each patient achieve their best smile, this Lakeview and Lincoln Park dentist is qualified to handle any dental need for patients of every age.
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