If you are suffering from periodontal disease while being in poor health, you might be wondering if there is a link between the two. The answer is yes. Gum disease can be linked to various systematic issues impacting your overall health.
In this blog, we will learn how gum disease makes you physically ill, its causes, and whether it’s curable.
Can gum disease make you physically sick?
Gum disease has been proven to contribute to physical illness. Research indicates that there is a link between gum disease and serious health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and even respiratory disease.
Gum disease can contribute to health issues because of the bacteria involved. The bacteria present during gum infections can enter the bloodstream from weak and inflamed gum tissue, leading to increasing inflammation in the body.
What’s more, studies show that gum disease can worsen existing health conditions, especially if one is diabetic. Individuals with diabetes are vulnerable to infections, which means that they can develop gum disease easily. Hence, this creates a vicious cycle in which each condition exacerbates the other.
It’s crucial not to ignore gum disease. While it may not be life-threatening, the complications that can arise from it can have significant consequences. Therefore, it’s essential to recognize and treat gum disease in its earliest stages.
What causes gum disease?
Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of gum disease. Neglecting to brush and floss regularly can cause plaque to build up and stick to teeth. If this plaque isn’t removed by regular oral hygiene, it hardens into tartar, a gum-irritating and inflammation-causing substance.
However, other factors can affect the probability of developing gum disease. They could be:
- Smoking – Regular use of tobacco products can keep gum tissues from healing, which can set gum disease into motion.
- Hormonal Changes – Gums become more sensitive during hormonal fluctuations such as pregnancy or menopause.
- Untreated Diabetes – According to the American Diabetes Association, having improper glucose levels triples the risk of developing periodontal disease.
- Genetics – If your parents struggled with gum disease and dental issues, you might be more likely to as well. It’s because genetics predispose people to gum issues.
- Certain Medications – Drugs that cause dry mouth can reduce saliva production, leading to gum issues. Saliva is important for maintaining oral health.
Can gum disease be cured?
Many people believe that gum disease goes away on its own. However, this is a dangerous misconception. Gum disease requires proper dental intervention, and it’s best to seek treatment at the earliest symptoms.
Advanced periodontal disease can be harder to manage and may require surgical procedures to restore the damaged gum tissue. However, simple dental procedures like scaling and root planing can treat the earlier symptoms of gum disease and prevent it from escalating. You might also be prescribed antibiotics to contain the infection.
Takeaway
Late-stage gum disease can’t be completely cured, as it can cause irreversible damage to the bone and tissue inside your mouth. Hence, it’s important not to neglect any signs of periodontal disease, like redness, bleeding, or swelling in the gums. They can lead to significant, life-threatening health issues that can be easily prevented with dental intervention.
So, if you are experiencing symptoms of periodontal disease, don’t hesitate to contact the dental care specialists at Lake Elsinore Dentistry. We can diagnose and treat your periodontal disease at any stage and prevent serious complications. Call (951) 579-1010 to schedule an appointment today!