Gum disease is the common implication of poor dental care. Ideally, when food remains are left lingering in the mouth forms a sticky film called the plaque, which harbors bacteria. Plaque formed around the gumline makes gums prone to infection, and in turn, the body’s immune system reacts, which causes gum inflammations. When the condition is left unattended, the infection becomes severe and eats away at the gums and the bone tissue resulting in periodontal disease.
Heart Disease
Gum disease is hazardous to one’s health and should be treated immediately. The severe stage of gum disease leads to the transmission of the bacteria into the bloodstream, which promotes blood clotting. The arteries become clotted, which increases the risk of a heart attack. Worse, blood vessels clotting, especially the ones transporting blood to the brain and the head, leads to high chances of stroke.
Respiratory Complications
Failure to treat periodontal disease in its early stages, gingivitis may increase the risk of inhaling bacteria in the mouth into the lungs. Once the bacteria land in respiratory organs, they are associated with pneumonia infections, which are detrimental to one’s health. The bacteria may also find their way into respiratory organs via the bloodstream from the mouth. Therefore, consulting a periodontist goes a long way in preventing such occurrences.
Diabetes
Patients suffering from severe gum disease have been diagnosed with diabetes conditions. Experts explain that periodontal diseases weaken the immune system, hindering the control of one’s blood sugar and increasing the risk of developing diabetes. On the other side, patients with diabetes are more prone to gum disease due to the negative implications posed by the disease. Diabetes hinders white blood cells from fighting against bacterial infections, which also explains why patients are diagnosed with gum disease.
If you notice the early stage of periodontal disease, gingivitis, or its severe stage, visit our dentist for immediate treatment. Call us today and book a consultation.
