So, how bad is gum disease? Yes, it can lead to persistent bad breath. It can surely cause bleeding gums and loose teeth. Untreated gum disease might cause your teeth to fall out. As if foul breath, bloody gums, loose teeth, and tooth loss weren't terrible enough, periodontal disease can also trigger serious and even fatal health problems throughout your body. Here are nine additional urgent reasons to treat gum disease as soon as possible with the help of a dental center near you.
1. Cancer
Gum disease can be induced by conditions that also increase the risk of oral cancer, with smoking being the most common example. Many studies have also found that gum disease and poor dental health increase your risk of developing cancers of the blood, pancreas, and kidneys.
2. Cardiovascular disease
Bacteria that cause periodontal disease do not stay in your mouth; they go throughout your body via your bloodstream. These bacteria in your bloodstream can create plaque buildup and hardening of your arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis, which can cause blockages in your heart and significantly raise your risk of a heart attack.
3. Dementia
Toxins released by inflamed and diseased gums can harm tissues and cells far beyond the mouth, including those in the brain. These poisons have the potential to harm memory-related brain cells. When bacteria linked with gingivitis penetrate the circulation and nerve pathways in the brain, they can cause dementia and potentially Alzheimer's disease.
4. Diabetes
People with diabetes are more likely to develop periodontal disease. People with diabetes are more susceptible to infections, including periodontal disease. At the same time, periodontal disease can worsen your diabetes by raising or lowering your blood sugar levels. Even if you haven't been diagnosed with diabetes, the impact of gum disease on your sugar levels can raise your chances of developing it.
5. Erectile dysfunction
Arterial inflammation caused by gum disease-related bacteria in your bloodstream can prevent blood flow to your genitals. In males, reduced blood flow to the genitals can lead to erectile dysfunction by making it difficult to develop or maintain an erection.
6. Infertility
Untreated gum disease can have far-reaching consequences, including issues with reproduction. A woman with advanced periodontal disease will have a more difficult and longer time conceiving than a woman in good dental health. The systemic effects of gum disease during pregnancy can also impair the capacity to have a healthy pregnancy. Periodontal disease in pregnant women might result in low birth weight and possibly early delivery.
7. Kidney disease
Significant periodontal disease weakens an individual's immune system, making them more susceptible to infections and significant chronic ailments, such as kidney disease. Kidney disease is a significant medical disorder that damages your kidneys, heart, and bones and can cause high blood pressure. In its most serious form, kidney illness can lead to renal failure or life-threatening cardiovascular disease.
8. Lung infections
Your lungs are especially vulnerable to microorganisms in your mouth as a result of gum disease in two ways. These germs can enter your lungs via your bloodstream, just like some of the other illnesses listed here. Aside from the bloodstream, these bacteria can be breathed and cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and chronic bronchitis.
9. Rheumatoid arthritis
Inflammation is a common feature of rheumatoid arthritis and periodontal disease. Bacteria in your mouth due to gingivitis or periodontitis can cause inflammation throughout your body, including the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. At least one study discovered that people with rheumatoid arthritis were four times more likely to have periodontal disease and more severe gum disease than patients without rheumatoid arthritis.
The bottom line
If your dentist has found any signs or risk factors for gum disease in your medical history or during a dental examination, you should have them treated as soon as possible. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, and restoring gum health is as simple as brushing and flossing correctly.
If gum disease worsens from gingivitis to periodontitis, it can be treated by scaling, root planing, or even gum surgery if necessary. Early, prompt, and successful treatment at a local dental clinic can save your gums, teeth, and possibly even your life.