Your Health Matters …

Heart Attack, Stroke, and Gum Disease

Two years ago, medical research proved that swollen and bleeding gums are closely related to heart disease and stroke. That may seem strange at first, but a better understanding of illness has led to a breakthrough in Health Care and Disease Prevention.

Inflammation is the root cause of all degenerative diseases

When it occurs anywhere in your body, inflammation triggers the release of strong chemicals. These compounds will not only create ulcerated and bleeding gums, they can also trigger similar ulceration and bleeding within the arteries of your heart and brain. When you bleed, your blood clots. Clots around your gums pose no threat. Clots in the arteries of your heart and brain can kill you.

Are you at risk for a heart attack if you don’t brush and floss? The answer is both “Yes” and “No”. The chemicals which cause your gums to bleed, and eventually can cause damage in other areas of your body, usually take weeks to develop. Depending upon your overall health and the stability of your chewing system, you could go months and not see damage in your mouth. Similarly, a good diet and plenty of exercise have been shown to reduce the damage these chemicals create throughout your body. In the end though, if you don’t take care of yourself, you will wear out prematurely.

If it’s been a while, why not see your dentist soon? A thorough examination of your mouth can help reveal if you’re at risk for these deadly conditions. More than your beautiful smile is at stake!

Important Facts

• People who floss their teeth live an average of 3 years longer
• Gum inflammation is directly linked to heart disease and stroke
• Bleeding gums and bone loss around your teeth are signs of inflammation
• People who keep their natural teeth live an average of 10 years longer
• Inflammation triggers the release of Free Radicals into your bloodstream.
• Inflammation has been linked to increased risk of diabetes, Parkinson’s, and cancer.

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