How Gum Disease Can Lead To Other Health Issues
You might picture bleeding gums, bad breath, or swelling when you think of gum disease. But did you know gum disease can have far-reaching effects beyond your mouth?
Yes, it’s true—what starts as a simple infection in your gums can spiral into serious health issues affecting your entire body. Gum disease (or periodontal disease) doesn’t just stay in your mouth; it can be the starting point for other conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even respiratory problems.
And the scariest part? It’s often silent until things take a turn for the worse.
Taking care of your gums is about protecting your overall health, not just keeping your smile looking good.
Gum Disease and Its Stages
Gum disease usually starts with gingivitis, the mildest form characterised by redness, swelling, and bleeding gums. Gingivitis is reversible with good oral care. However, if left untreated, it may worsen into periodontitis, damaging the tissues and bones that hold teeth in place.
In addition to destroying gums, periodontitis can cause inflammation and other problems by letting dangerous bacteria into circulation. This is where the connection between gum disease and other health problems comes into play.
Gum Disease and Cardiovascular Health
It will surprise you that your gums and heart are linked. Research has shown that gum disease and heart disease are strongly related. The same bacteria that cause periodontitis can get into the bloodstream and start forming plaque in your arteries, known as atherosclerosis.
Fatty deposits cause artery constriction, a decrease in blood circulation, and the possibility of heart attacks or strokes. It is estimated that individuals with gum disease are at a higher risk of developing heart ailments than those with healthy gums.
The inflammation caused by the bacteria in your gums can also affect your heart, putting extra stress on your cardiovascular system.
Caring for your gums could be an essential step in protecting your heart. It’s easy to overlook how something as simple as flossing could help keep your heart healthy, but it’s true!
Gum Disease and Diabetes
Gum disease and diabetes have a vicious circle of cycle. If you have diabetes, you’re more susceptible to infections, including gum disease.
Elevated blood sugar levels increase the likelihood of developing periodontitis, providing the perfect conditions for bacteria to flourish.
Conversely, severe gum disease can exacerbate the symptoms of diabetes by making it more difficult to regulate blood sugar.
Managing gum disease might protect your oral health and help you keep your diabetes in check.
Regular dental check-ups are especially critical for individuals with diabetes because catching gum disease early can significantly improve overall health.
Gum Disease and Respiratory Health
If you struggle with respiratory issues, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pneumonia, gum disease could be making things worse. Inhaled oral microorganisms can potentially cause infections or exacerbate pre-existing lung problems.
It sounds alarming, but it makes sense when you think about it. Your mouth and lungs are closely connected, so harmful bacteria in your mouth can easily make their way to your respiratory system.
If you already have a lung condition, gum disease inflammation can worsen your symptoms, making it harder for you to breathe comfortably.
Pregnancy and Gum Disease
Pregnancy comes with enough challenges on its own, but gum disease can introduce additional risks for expectant mothers. Pregnancy-related hormonal changes might increase the risk of issues like low birth weight or early birth by making your gums more susceptible to infections.
Research suggests that periodontitis inflammation may trigger early labour or affect a baby’s development. Pregnant women have to maintain proper oral hygiene and schedule routine dental examinations during their pregnancy.
Preventing or treating gum disease during pregnancy protects your health and safeguarding your baby’s well-being.
Cognitive Decline and Alzheimer’s Disease
One of the most concerning connections researchers have found is the link between gum disease and cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s disease. Studies suggest that the bacteria from gum infections can reach the brain, which may contribute to inflammation and plaque buildup, similar to what occurs in the arteries.
Chronic gum disease has been associated with a higher risk of Alzheimer’s, leading researchers to believe that poor oral health could play a role in the development or progression of dementia. While more research is still needed, the evidence is convincing enough to suggest that taking care of your gums might be an essential factor in maintaining brain health as you age.
How to Protect Your Gums and Overall Health
It’s clear that gum disease doesn’t just affect your mouth—it can impact many aspects of your overall health. Luckily, there are things you can do to safeguard your gums and lower your chance of developing specific health issues:
- Brush and floss regularly: Gum disease can be prevented simply yet effectively by brushing and flossing twice a day. Make sure you use proper techniques to clean thoroughly without irritating.
- Visit your Northmead dentist regularly: Regular dental check-ups allow your Northmead dentist to help identify early gum disease symptoms and deal with them before they worsen. Additionally, professional cleanings aid in removing tartar and plaque that are inaccessible with brushing and flossing.
- Maintaining a healthy diet: A healthy, vitamin-and mineral-rich diet boosts your body’s defences against infections, including gum disease.
- Quit smoking: One of the main indicators of risk for gum disease is smoking, which can also hinder the healing process of your gums. Quitting smoking improves your oral health and benefits your heart, lungs, and overall well-being.
- Manage underlying health conditions: Effective diabetes management or any other chronic condition can lower gum disease development or worsening risk.
Gum Disease Treatment in Northmead
If you’ve been neglecting your gums, now is the time to take action. Gum disease might seem like a minor inconvenience, but as we’ve seen, it can have severe consequences for your entire body.
Protect your health by caring for your gums, maintaining proper oral hygiene and making routine dental visits.
Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body—so why not give it the care and attention it deserves?
Call us today at (02) 9630 9996 to schedule a dental examination and begin safeguarding your gums and general well-being!
Visit us at 19/5-7 Kleins Rd in Northmead.