How Periodontal Disease Affects Your Overall Health

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a condition where your gums become infected. Over time, and without proper treatment, this condition can often create serious damage to the gum tissue and affect the jaw bone. Unfortunately, gum disease doesn’t just impact your dental health. It can have a negative effect on your entire body. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most common health conditions that have been linked to periodontal disease.

Increase the Risks of Strokes

Periodontal disease leads to gum bleeding and inflammation, and it seems this can affect how blood and oxygen travel to the brain. As a result, the risk of having a stroke is greater, with some studies showing that people with gum disease can be even twice as likely to have a stroke.

Potential Link to Heart Disease

Inflammation is also likely to blame in this sense. What’s more, people who have a pre-existing heart condition seem more likely to experience a worsened case if they also develop gum disease.

Increased Risk of Diabetes

It’s well known that those who suffer from diabetes can develop gum disease more easily. Diabetes increases the risks of infection, and without proper care coupled with dental hygiene routines, the risk for periodontal disease skyrockets.

However, it seems the reverse might be true as well, with gum disease increasing the risk of diabetes. Gum disease often leads to increased blood sugar which, over time, can lead to diabetes without proper care.

Nutritional Problems

Gum disease often attacks the jawbone which, over time, can even lead to tooth loss. If tooth loss is extensive, people will have a much more difficult time managing their nutrition, as they cannot eat properly. This, in turn, leads to avoiding some hard-to-chew food altogether in some cases, which can lead to various nutritional deficiencies.

Lung Issues

Periodontal disease also means you have dangerous bacteria accumulating in your mouth, which can easily make its way down to your lungs as well. As the bacteria reaches this organ, there is also a risk of developing respiratory diseases.

Early Detection For Gum Disease Is Key to Avoiding These Conditions

Scientists have discovered links between gum disease and these health conditions, but it’s important to note that these risks are higher when you do not address the conditions when you first notice the signs.

Be on the lookout for these symptoms of gum disease and see a dentist right away if you notice any of them:

• Red or swollen gums
• Gum bleeding
• Bad breath or taste
• Changes in your bite
• Increased tooth sensitivity

Periodontal Treatment at Kitty Hawk Dental Care in Livermore

With good oral hygiene and routine dental visits, you can prevent gum disease from affecting your health. And we at Kitty Hawk Dental Care are here to help you do just that. Book an appointment today with Dr. Kimberly King to get started.