25 Aug How Gum Disease Affects the Rest of Your Body
Gum disease is dangerous—it can cause tooth sensitivity, receding gums, and even tooth loss. But did you know that it can have a harmful effect on the rest of your body, too?
You might not think that a little blood in your toothpaste when you spit is anything to worry about. However, bleeding gums are one of the first signs of gum disease. If you have swollen, tender, or bleeding gums, see a dentist right away! It could make a huge impact on your health and quality of life.
How Can Gum Disease Affect Other Parts of My Body?
Gum disease is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation. It irritates your gum tissue, making it tender and inflamed. And because it also makes your gums bleed, harmful bacteria can easily enter your bloodstream and travel from your mouth to other parts of your body.
The same bacteria that inflame your gums can lead to other health issues. For instance, gum disease can make other inflammatory diseases like arthritis and cardiovascular disease worse. And if you are pregnant, gum disease can spread infections that cause dangerous complications and even premature birth.
Gum disease has been linked to many different health conditions, including:
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Heart Disease
- Immune Disorders
- Kidney Disease
- Pregnancy Complications
- Strokes
Gum Disease Does Not Only Affect the Elderly
Even though seniors are more likely to have gum disease, it can affect people of any age—even kids and teens. Some medical conditions, like diabetes, can increase your risk of gum disease, and so can certain medications.
That’s why visiting the dentist is so important, no matter how old you are. A checkup every six months will help keep your mouth healthy—if your dentist spots any signs of gum disease, they can recommend treatments and lifestyle changes to prevent it from getting worse.
Preventing Gum Disease Can Improve Your Health
Gum disease can only be reversed in its very early stages, so prevention is a crucial part of protecting your health. If you have a chronic condition like arthritis or diabetes, or if you are pregnant, let your dentist know. They can give you treatments that eliminate harmful bacteria and help prevent gum disease.
But even if your gum disease has progressed from gingivitis to periodontitis, it can still be treated. In fact, taking action to stop gum disease from getting worse will not only help you keep all your teeth, it could even reduce your risk of serious health conditions like heart disease down the road.
Treatment for Gum Disease in Prescott, Arizona
At Prescott Dentistry, we use advanced holistic techniques like ozone therapy and laser therapy to fight gum disease. Frequent cleanings and treatments like scaling and root planing can also help protect your health and prevent gum disease.
If you are at risk for any of the conditions above, don’t let gum disease become a complication. Let us help you keep your gums in good health—call us at 928-445-1660 to schedule an appointment today.
Photo by Denys Nevozhai on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 7/19/2023.