Treating Gum Disease Can Lead to Other Health Improvements
Posted on 1/15/2025 by Thomas Mahar |
 Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums that can damage the soft tissues and bones that support your teeth. It's a common problem, affecting nearly half of adults in the United States. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems.
The good news is that gum disease is preventable and treatable. With proper oral care, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, you can keep your gums healthy and prevent gum disease from developing.
But even if you already have gum disease, it's not too late to improve your oral health and overall well-being. Treating gum disease can not only stop the progression of the disease and save your teeth, but it can also lead to other significant health improvements.
How Gum Disease Affects Your Overall Health
Gum disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that can affect your entire body. The bacteria that cause gum disease can enter your bloodstream and travel to other parts of your body, where they can contribute to the development of other health problems.
Some of the health problems that have been linked to gum disease include:
| • |
Heart disease: Studies have shown that people with gum disease are more likely to have heart disease. The inflammation caused by gum disease can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of blood clots, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. |
| • |
Stroke: Gum disease can also increase your risk of stroke. The inflammation caused by gum disease can damage the blood vessels in the brain, making it more likely that a blood clot will form. |
| • |
Diabetes: People with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease, and gum disease can make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels. This can lead to serious complications, such as heart disease, stroke, and blindness. |
| • |
Respiratory problems: Gum disease has also been linked to respiratory problems, such as pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The bacteria that cause gum disease can travel to the lungs and cause inflammation, which can make it difficult to breathe. |
| • |
Premature birth and low birth weight: Studies have shown that women with gum disease are more likely to have premature babies or babies with low birth weight. The inflammation caused by gum disease may be responsible for these problems. |
| • |
Rheumatoid arthritis: Gum disease has also been linked to rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints. The bacteria that cause gum disease may trigger the immune system to attack the joints. |
How Treating Gum Disease Can Improve Your Health
Treating gum disease can not only stop the progression of the disease and save your teeth, but it can also lead to other significant health improvements. Studies have shown that treating gum disease can:
| • |
Reduce inflammation throughout the body: This can help protect against heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. |
| • |
Improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes: This can help prevent serious complications, such as heart disease, stroke, and blindness. |
| • |
Reduce the risk of respiratory problems: This can help improve breathing and prevent lung infections. |
| • |
Reduce the risk of premature birth and low birth weight: This can help ensure that babies are born healthy. |
| • |
Reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis: This can help prevent joint pain and inflammation. |
In addition to these specific health benefits, treating gum disease can also improve your overall oral health and well-being. Healthy gums are essential for a healthy smile, and they can also help prevent tooth loss and other dental problems.
Conclusion
Gum disease is a serious health problem that can have a significant impact on your overall health. However, the good news is that gum disease is preventable and treatable. With proper oral care and regular dental checkups, you can keep your gums healthy and prevent gum disease from developing. And if you already have gum disease, it's not too late to improve your oral health and overall well-being. Treating gum disease can not only stop the progression of the disease and save your teeth, but it can also lead to other significant health improvements.
If you have any concerns about your oral health, please talk to your dentist. They can help you assess your risk for gum disease and develop a treatment plan that's right for you. |
|
