A very large number of people in the U.S. currently suffer from some kind of gum disease. But while there are differently levels of severity, they all need to be treated as soon as possible because more and more evidence is showing that this problem isn’t limited to your mouth. Periodontal disease could be tied to several other potential problems throughout the entire body.
Periodontal disease is caused by the bacteria in your mouth. When they combine with the sugars from the things you eat, they start to form plaque on your teeth. If it isn’t removed, it hardens into tarter, which you can’t just brush away at home.
The bacteria can cause inflammation in the gums called gingivitis, which can be spotted by red, swollen gums that are prone to bleeding. This is a mild form of gum disease, and you can quickly reverse it by improving home dental care and regular dentist visits.
The next step up is periodontal disease. When this happens, the gums pull away from the teeth and form gum pockets where the infections can set in. Bacterial toxins and the body’s natural response to infections will start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place.
The exact connection between gum disease and other ailments remains unclear, but one of the most prevalent theories is that oral bacteria are escaping into the bloodstream where it can play havoc with other organs in the body.
Whatever the actual connection is, scientists have found links between periodontal disease and several other health issues, including:
So if gum disease is really linked to all these other health issues, what, exactly can you do about it? Well, the answer is pretty simple. We (as in “dentists”) have been telling people to do it all along.
Take care of your teeth. Come in and see us for a regular checkup. Don’t let the plaque start to build up and you won’t have to worry about how it may be affecting the rest of your body. Brushing and flossing may seem like a little thing, but they can have a big impact on your health.
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