Holistic Health: 3 Concerns Caused by Gum Disease

Did you know that the American Dental Association recommends flossing twice daily after brushing to prevent problems? Despite this, only an estimated 40% of Americans floss each day. If you don’t consistently remove harmful germs from along your gums, they could penetrate the connective tissues and cause disease.

Although this infection starts small, if left untreated, it can spread to your teeth or jawbone, eroding the firm foundation. Unfortunately, it can also travel throughout your body, contributing to other more serious health concerns. Continue reading to learn about 3 additional ways periodontal problems can detract from your general well-being!

Concern #1: Cardiovascular Issues

You might not think your dental condition has anything to do with your heart health, but the human body is interconnected in many unexpected ways. Gum disease starts small and doesn’t always exhibit noticeable symptoms, so it’s often able to progress to more advanced stages.

If the bacteria causing the infection enter your bloodstream, they can flow to your heart and trigger a systemic inflammatory response. This immune response can harm your blood vessels and cause blood clots or hardened arteries that increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. That means regularly flossing your teeth can potentially save your life!

Concern #2: Diabetes

Diabetes and gum disease are closely connected because they both impact your blood glucose levels. If the germs from your infected gums leak into the bloodstream, they trigger a reaction from your body’s defensive system. Inflammation from the disease can increase your blood sugar, which can both negatively affect already-diagnosed diabetes and contribute to its development in new patients.  

Furthermore, the fluctuating blood sugar levels due to your oral issue increase the likelihood of complications from diabetes. Thankfully, successfully managing one or the other often reduces the risk of both. For example, treating gum disease can make your insulin levels easier to manage, and vice versa.

Concern #3: Respiratory Illnesses

The same microbes that cause your periodontal problem can also enter your lungs and wreak havoc. If you’re breathing in the harmful bacteria, they can irritate the tissues of your lungs to cause new problems or worsen pre-existing issues. For instance, it can cause illnesses or infections like asthma, pneumonia, or bronchitis. It’s also known to exacerbate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). People with chronic respiratory problems also often have low immunity, making it harder for their bodies to fight off infections like gum disease.

Fortunately, gingivitis is highly preventable and can be treatable if it’s caught early enough. Visiting your dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning allows them to monitor your condition to identify and address any signs of periodontal problems before the illness spreads.

Meet the Author

Dr. Steven Oshins has decades of experience helping people of all ages build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. He graduated from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine and commits 100+ hours to continuing education annually. He provides a complete array of services to meet all your dental needs, whether you need a basic checkup and cleaning or a more involved procedure, like gum disease therapy. He combines a caring approach with state-of-the-art equipment to enhance patient comfort while delivering accurate results meant to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (518) 356-5635.