According to studies, gum disease has been affecting millions of people around the world. Most people are not aware that they are already suffering from gum disease until they visit their dentist and discover the problem.

Unknown to most of us, our oral health is associated with the body’s other systems. That’s why the risks of getting diseases can be high when you neglect your oral health. In fact, there are life-threatening ailments that can be acquired because of untreated health concerns, such as gum disease.

What Causes Gum Disease?

The development, accumulation, and buildup of plaque and tartar is the first stage of gum disease. They contain bacteria that release toxins and cause infection on the bone structure and bone tissue. This can even result in chronic inflammation and tooth loss. It can be painless at first, but it worsens when the person reaches 30-40 years of age.

What Are the Most Commonly Observed Symptoms of Gum Disease?

Be aware of the following signs and symptoms of gum disease:

  • Redness or inflammation of the gums
  • Bad breath
  • Loose teeth
  • Bleeding gums
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Pain when chewing
  • Receding gums

Common Health Risks Associated With Gum Disease

Make sure not to neglect gum disease, or you may be at risk of the following:

Heart Disease

Based on the study conducted by the American Heart Association, individuals who have poor dental hygiene are three times more likely to acquire heart diseases. When there is chronic inflammation in your gums, the body starts attacking its healthy cells. Gum disease also affects the blood pressure of patients with hypertension and may impact the effect of medications. Also, gum disease is known to increase the risk of getting a heart attack by 49%.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, a type of bacteria, is commonly found in both rheumatoid arthritis and gum disease patients. This triggers joint inflammation by impacting the body system’s inflammatory autoimmune response.

Diabetes

Commonly, bacteria survive where there is a presence of sugar. When a person’s level of glucose is high, bacteria can thrive and make the germs attack the gums and teeth. This leads to gingivitis. Gum disease can also contribute to increased blood sugar in the body, causing you to be more at risk for Type 2 diabetes.

Pneumonia

Another ailment that can be caused by gum disease is pneumonia. When there is infection in the body, the immune system works overtime to combat that infection, causing inflammation in the body. It’s no different when you have an infection in your gums. Simply put, gum disease can trigger inflammation in the lungs.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Sadly, gum disease is also related to heightening the patient’s risk of having Alzheimer’s disease. The bacteria known as Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.gingivalis) can be present in gum disease and is also observed in patients with Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s is defined as a neurodegenerative disease that affects millions of people all over the world. Unfortunately, there is still no treatment for this, and it may worsen over time. 

Prevention is still better than cure. Prevent gum disease so you won’t worry about bacteria infiltrating different body parts and increasing your risk of certain diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Conclusion

Now that you’re already familiar with the diseases that can be acquired when you have gum disease, make sure to promote good oral hygiene and consult your dentist regularly. It’s always better to discover it early so that prompt action will be taken.

Never disregard gum disease. Get in touch with an affordable dentist in Edmonton, AB to keep your oral health in check. We at Edmonton Smiles are always happy to assist our clients and help them with their oral health concerns. Book an appointment today!

 

Posted in Dental News & Advice