Gum disease or periodontitis is a serious dental issue caused by harmful bacteria infecting and damaging the bones of the mouth underneath the gum line. Harmful bacteria colonize the mouth and can lead to loose teeth and other dental issues over time. Gum disease isn’t just harmful to oral health though, the issues caused by this disease are much more far-reaching than that. If left unchecked, gum disease can cause serious complications throughout the body. That’s why it’s vital you visit a dentist if you’re experiencing any symptoms of gingivitis or gum disease to prevent more serious issues from occurring.
Can Lead to Heart Disease
Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, and untreated gum disease increases the risks of developing heart disease by three times, according to the American Heart Association. Gum disease is linked to heart disease because it leads to chronic inflammation throughout the body. Not only does gum disease increase the risk factors for heart disease, but it also disrupts hypertension medications and increases the risk a patient will have a heart attack by approximately 49%.
May Increase the Risks of Diabetes
High levels of glucose present in the body over time can lead to the development of Type 2 diabetes. This causes all sorts of negative problems in the body and often grows more severe over time. When left unchecked, gum disease will actually increase your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by increasing the glucose levels in your bloodstream. Gum disease elevates blood-glucose levels because the same bacteria that cause the disease also leak into the bloodstream. This bacteria is deemed harmful by the body’s immune system, and in response, the body elevates blood-glucose levels to defend against the bacteria.
Contributes to Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s is a severe neurodegenerative disease that leads to loss of memory over time in patients. It’s a scary disease, and it’s more likely to develop in individuals suffering from untreated gum disease. The same bacteria found in patients
May Encourage Rheumatoid Arthritis
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans are the bacteria that cause gum diseases and rheumatoid arthritis. This bacteria triggers the body’s autoimmune response, and it’s common for patients with gum disease to suffer from arthritic symptoms as well. That means that patients that let their gum disease go untreated put themselves at an increased risk for arthritis overall and all the symptoms that come with it.
Breathing Complications
Pneumonia and COPD are both issues with the body’s airways and its ability to breathe effectively. Gum disease can interfere with the natural breathing process as well, and that’s because of the body’s inflammation response to the bacteria that cause gum disease. When the bacteria makes its way into the bloodstream and spreads throughout your body, it suffers from an inflammation response that can cause the airways to swell and contract. This makes breathing more difficult and can lead to serious breathing issues over time.
Between all the different health complications that gum disease can lead to, it’s essential to stay on top of your oral health and hygiene and to work with dental professionals to manage your gum disease symptoms as effectively as possible. Visit https://www.daguedental.com/ to learn more about your dental options and how you can get help managing gum disease if it’s something you suffer from or if you have symptoms of gum disease.
Dague Dental Solutions,
4711 N Brady St Ste 5s
Davenport IA 52806,
563-386-9770
Follow Us on Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/daguedental/