How Gum Disease Poses a Risk to Overall Health

A large number of bacteria live inside the human body. These microbes are present in almost every area of your body. Bacteria are not necessarily harmful, either.

They frequently pose no threat. They even support critical bodily functions and guard your body against pathogens. But problems start to occur when specific circumstances throw off the balance of the bacterial population. Gum disease is one such condition.

More problems than bad breath or a toothache can result from neglecting your teeth and gums. Even though the nature of the connection isn’t always evident, your oral health can reveal a lot about your general well-being.

Experts have discovered that the bacterium known to be the primary cause of periodontitis is capable of hijacking your immune system.

Your immune system’s ability to remove pathogens is hindered by the bacterium, which also causes persistent inflammation. This is one of the main factors contributing to gum disease’s challenging management.

Gum disease patients are also more vulnerable to other serious health issues because their immune systems have been damaged. So to maintain the health of your teeth and gums, it is even more crucial to practise preventative measures.

Gum disease also referred to as gingivitis and periodontitis, is linked to several conditions, including:

Diabetes

Diabetes and gum disease have the strongest relationship.

Periodontal disease develops through tiny pockets when your gums pull away from your teeth or recede.

Food particles can become lodged in the pockets, and oral bacteria can produce toxins in inflamed and irritated gums. Without treatment, the tissues and bones that support the teeth begin to deteriorate.

Maintaining excellent oral health is crucial if you have diabetes or are at risk of developing it.

Gum disease is a risk factor for diabetics’ blood sugar levels to become unhealthily low, and those who already have diabetes are at risk of developing severe cases of the condition.

According to a recent study, people with diabetes with gum disease are six times more likely to struggle with blood sugar control than people with diabetes without gum disease.

Heart condition

It might be challenging to imagine, but your mouth, teeth, and gums are directly connected to your body’s circulatory system. Tiny cuts and openings may appear when your gums are inflamed.

Additionally, since an overabundance of bacteria frequently brings on gum disease, the bacteria in your mouth have free access to your bloodstream, where they can enter the arteries of your heart and cause atherosclerosis or the thickening of the arteries.

That can significantly increase the chance of a heart attack and stroke.

Dementia

According to a recent study, gum disease patients are more likely to experience cognitive decline and conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

According to research, activities like eating and brushing allow bacteria linked to gum disease to enter the bloodstream.

The bacteria may reach the brain, where they may trigger an immune reaction. Over time, that reaction may modify the brain’s structure and conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Bone and tissue loss

Gum disease’s later stages can cause tooth loss and decreased bone density.

The jaw and surrounding bones may eventually lose strength, become brittle, and become weak due to a reduction in bone density over time.

Patients may be at risk of developing severe infections and a decreased capacity for eating and speaking due to the complications associated with bone loss in the mouth and jaw and the swelling and bleeding that occur during advanced gum disease.

Gum disease, which affects millions of people worldwide, is one of the most common health issues facing people today.

Our team at Norlane Dental Aesthetics and Implants advises scheduling routine dental exams to check for the condition regularly to help lower your risk of gum disease.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to brush and floss your teeth each day thoroughly and to get professional gum treatment as soon as possible if you’re found to have gum disease.

Gum Disease Treatment at Norlane Dental Aesthetics and Implants

Although gum disease is common, you can lessen its effects on your smile and overall health by receiving professional care.

We advise you to visit a specialist at Norlane Dental Aesthetics and Implants if you experience gum bleeding, bad breath, gum recession, or any other symptoms of gum disease.

Early detection and treatment of periodontal infections are essential for reducing the long-term dangers that gum disease may pose to your general health and well-being.

Our team at Norlane Dental Aesthetics and Implants provides safe and effective gum disease treatments for everyone in Norlane and the surrounding communities.

At Norlane Dental Aesthetics and Implants, we believe everyone deserves excellent quality dentistry, and our goal is to help you achieve this.

For more information about gum diseases and their treatments in Norlane, call us on (03) 5278 2666 or request your appointment online.

Visit us at 21 Princes Highway in Norlane.