Risks Associated with Gum Disease

No one should treat gum disease lightly. Without periodontal care in Candler, NC, a bacteria-filled film called plaque will build up around your gums until the swollen and tender tissue starts to pull away from your teeth. Without deep cleaning to help resolve gum disease, the systemic health issues stemming from this condition may just be developing.

What Are the Risks Associated With Gum Disease?

Did you know that gum disease affects 47.2% of American adults aged 30 years and older? Since oral health is a part of a bigger system, anything that affects it can affect the whole body. For this reason, leaving gum disease untreated increases the risk of life-threatening health conditions.  

Cardiovascular Disease

Inflammation is the immune system’s response to an irritant in an attempt to heal the body. It involves the process of fighting against anything harmful, including toxins, injuries, and infection. Chronic inflammation due to gum disease becomes a huge problem when the immune system starts attacking healthy cells.  

Health experts confirm that chronic inflammation in the mouth is directly related to heart inflammation. As a result, people who don’t maintain good oral hygiene are three times more vulnerable to heart disease. Moreover, gum disease disrupts the effects of hypertension medications by negatively impacting a hypertensive patient’s blood pressure.  

However, research shows a decrease in some patients’ blood pressure upon treatment for gum disease in its early stage.

Diabetes

Since bacteria thrive in sugar, patients with high glucose levels in the body fuel bacteria to attack the teeth and gums, leading to gingivitis. Likewise, gum disease elevates the body’s glucose levels and can increase a person’s risk of Type 2 diabetes.

As bacteria from the infected gums leak into the bloodstream, they trigger the body’s immune system to cause a rise in blood glucose levels as it fights off the infection. Diabetic patients can find it challenging to control their blood sugar levels if they have gum disease. Conversely, diabetes can also make it difficult for the body to fight gum disease.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes damage to the joints. A study provides new evidence that the bacterium called Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), which causes gum disease is also present in the joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Findings show that this bacterium causes an inflammatory autoimmune response that results in rheumatoid arthritis.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that leads to memory loss, loss of thinking skills, and inability to carry out simple tasks. Furthermore, this neurodegenerative condition affects around 5 million Americans.

A study shows that the bacterium porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) that causes gum disease is also found in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. For this reason, health professionals recommend gum disease prevention to reduce the risk of complications such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Pneumonia

Chronic inflammation with gum disease affects another set of health conditions, including pneumonia. According to experts, gum infection causes the immune system to ensure an inflammatory response in the airways and lungs.

Do You Need Periodontal Care in Candler, NC?

The team of dental professionals at Cataloochee Dental Group has the expertise, skills, and technology to offer a wide range of services, including periodontal care. Since we prioritize your oral health and well-being, we’re committed to providing high-quality care while striving to develop a long-lasting and trusting relationship with you. Contact us today to request an appointment.