Six Dangers of Gum Disease

Most individuals are impacted by gum disease. Often, people remain unaware of these symptoms until they undergo an oral examination at the dentist.

Your oral health is a component of an extensive interconnected system, and having issues in oral health can impact the entire body. When you neglect oral health, it can lead to the development of gum disease, which, if left unchecked or untreated, progresses into a severe and potentially life-threatening condition. This guide discusses several health conditions to emphasize the significance of maintaining good oral health.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Typically, the accumulation of plaque and tartar initiates the advancement of gum disease. These substances release toxins that infect the gums and bone structure. Over time, this can result in chronic inflammation and even tooth loss.

In many instances, young patients do not exhibit signs of gum disease, as the early stages of infection tend to be painless. However, symptoms tend to become more noticeable during adulthood. If you experience these symptoms, visit b a dental clinic or a dental office near you for a check-up.

Common Signs of Gum Disease:

• Halitosis (bad breath): Persistent bad breath is a common symptom of gum disease. The bacteria and toxins produced by the infection release foul-smelling gases, resulting in chronic halitosis. Even with regular brushing and mouthwash, the bad breath caused by gum disease may persist until a qualified periodontist in Phoenix, AZ, treats the underlying condition.
• Gum bleeding: Gum bleeding in gum disease occurs due to infection and inflammation, weakening the gum tissues and causing them to bleed.
• Inflamed and red gums
• Loose teeth
• Pain while chewing
• Receding gum line
• Tooth Sensitivity

Neglected Gum Disease Can Provoke Life-Threatening Ailments

When gum disease is left untreated, it initially manifests as inflammation. Gum disease is a recurring inflammation of the gums that necessitates ongoing care. Unfortunately, it’s irreversible.

However, the condition can be managed by visiting an oral surgeon for treatment, helping reduce the risk of other life-threatening diseases.

Heart Disease

Chronic inflammation poses a significant threat to the body. When the body itself attacks healthy cells, complications arise. This is why gum disease is associated with heart disease.

Periodontal disease negatively affects the blood pressure of people with hypertension and alters the efficacy of hypertension medications. Poor dental health increases the likelihood of heart disease. Research indicates that gum disease raises the risk of heart attack by nearly 50%. Inflammation in the gums directly corresponds to inflammation in the heart. However, treating gum disease can potentially lower blood pressure in some patients.

As dentists at Encanto Family Dental Care, we strongly advise our patients to visit us regularly for gum disease monitoring. If there are signs of severe gum disease, we recommend different gum surgery available. Furthermore, we strive to educate them about the dangers of untreated gum disease and how to reverse its early stages.

Diabetes

Bacteria thrive in sugary environments. High glucose levels in the body fuel bacterial growth and lead to attacks on your gums and teeth.

Additionally, periodontal disease raises blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.

How does Gum Disease affect Blood Sugar?

When bacteria from infected gum tissue enter the bloodstream, it triggers an immune response in the body. To defend itself, the body raises blood sugar levels to combat the bacteria.

Untreated gum disease, caused by chronic inflammation, makes it challenging to control blood sugar levels. Also, diabetes disrupts the body’s ability to fight off infections, including periodontal disease.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

A typical bacterium is found in people suffering from periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis known as Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. This bacterium activates an inflammatory autoimmune response in your whole body that causes joint inflammation.

Alzheimer’s Disease

There is a relationship between periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Experts say that the bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis is prevalent in individuals with Alzheimer’s and periodontal disease.

Alzheimer’s, a neurodegenerative disease that affects many people, begins with memory loss and worsens over time. Experts dentists at 85015 caution that preventing periodontal disease is crucial to avoid complications like this, as the bacteria tend to infiltrate the body.

Pneumonia

Chronic inflammation from gum disease also impacts pneumonia and asthma. Infection in the gums triggers an immune system response, leading to widespread inflammation in the body, including the lungs and airways. Consequently, this increases the risk of various respiratory conditions, including Coronavirus. Maintaining healthy gums and visiting your local dentist help prevent inflammation throughout the body.