Gum disease can be more than just a nuisance. It can cause serious health problems if left untreated. In fact, gum disease has been linked to many major diseases and conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and even cancer. That’s why it’s so important to take proper care of your teeth and gums—to prevent gum disease before it starts. But if you’re already suffering from the condition, it’s important to know the risks so that you can take steps to reduce them. In this blog post, we will explore four major reasons why gum disease can be deadly, and what steps you should take to protect yourself.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a serious bacterial infection of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems.
Gum disease begins when plaque, a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva, builds up on the teeth. If the plaque is not removed, it can harden into calculus (tartar). The bacteria in plaque and calculus can cause inflammation of the gums (gingivitis). Inflamed gums bleed easily and are tender to the touch.
If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis. Periodontitis is a more severe form of gum disease that can damage the bone and connective tissue that support the teeth. Periodontitis can eventually lead to tooth loss.
Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of gum disease.
The Link Between Gum Disease and Heart Disease
Gum disease is a serious infection of the gums that can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems. Recent studies have shown that there may be a link between gum disease and heart disease. People with gum disease are more likely to develop heart disease, and people with heart disease are more likely to develop gum disease.
There are many possible explanations for this link. Gum disease may cause inflammation in the body that contributes to the development of heart disease. Alternatively, the bacteria that cause gum disease may enter the bloodstream and contribute to the development of heart disease.
Whatever the explanation, it is clear that there is a link between gum disease and heart disease. If you have gum disease, it is important to seek treatment from a dentist or Periodontist to prevent further damage to your teeth and gums, as well as to reduce your risk of developing heart disease.
The Link Between Gum Disease and Stroke
It’s estimated that around 64 million Americans suffer from some form of gum disease, which is also known as periodontal disease. Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems.
Recent studies have shown that there is a link between gum disease and stroke. People with gum disease are more likely to suffer from a stroke than people without gum disease.
There are a few theories as to why this link exists. One theory is that the bacteria that cause gum disease can enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain, where they can cause a stroke. Another theory is that the inflammation caused by gum disease can damage blood vessels, making them more susceptible to rupture.
Whatever the reason, there is definitely a link between gum disease and stroke. If you have gum disease, it’s important to see a dentist so that you can treat it before it leads to more serious health problems.
The Link Between Gum Disease and Diabetes
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a serious infection of the gums and tissues that support your teeth. It’s one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. Plaque leads to gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums. If plaque isn’t removed, it can harden into tartar, which irritates the gums and leads to gum disease.
Gum disease is linked to diabetes. People with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease than people who don’t have diabetes. Gum disease can make it harder to control your blood sugar levels. People with gum disease are also more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a serious infection of the gums and bones that support your teeth. Gum disease can cause tooth loss, and has been linked to other serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Fortunately, gum disease is preventable with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Here are some tips for preventing gum disease:
Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Floss daily to remove plaque from between your teeth and under your gum line.
Eat a balanced diet and limit sugary snacks.
Quit smoking. Smoking is a major risk factor for gum disease.
If you have any concerns about your oral health, be sure to see your dentist regularly. Early detection and treatment of gum disease can help prevent more serious problems down the road.
Conclusion
As you have seen, gum disease can be a very serious and deadly condition if left untreated. It is important to practice good oral hygiene, visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings, and take action immediately if you notice symptoms of periodontal disease. With the right preventive measures in place from both you and your dental care provider, the risks of developing gum disease can be significantly decreased - helping protect not only your mouth but also your overall health.