Periodontal disease, which is also known as gum disease, is a common problem with your mouth that can affect your health in many ways. The inflammation that comes from gum disease may not seem like a big deal, but it can really mess up your body, affecting your heart, lungs, and even your brain. If you are looking for expert care in periodontics & implant surgery in Chicago, look no further.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection caused by bacteria that hurts your gums and the bone that holds your teeth in place. Plaque is the first step. Plaque is a film of bacteria that sticks to your teeth and stays there.
Plaque can harden and turn into tartar if you do not brush and floss your teeth regularly. Tartar affects the gums and causes pain. Long-term, this swelling can hurt the gums and bone, which can lead to tooth loss and other major health issues.
The systemic implications of gum disease.
Medical experts are becoming more aware of the link between oral health and overall health. This is how gum disease can hurt your health in general:
- Heart problems.
A strong link has been found between gum disease and heart disease. When you have gum disease, germs can get into your system and go to your heart, where they can help build up plaque in your arteries. This could cause a heart attack, a stroke, or other heart issues.
- Diabetes.
Gum disease is more likely to happen to people who have diabetes and vice versa. If you have high blood sugar, it can make it harder to fight off infections because your immune system will be weaker. In turn, gum disease can make it hard to keep blood sugar levels in check.
- Infections of the lungs.
Having gum disease has been linked to a higher chance of getting lung illnesses like asthma. When you breathe in germs from gum infections, they can get into your lungs and cause inflammation and illness.
- Problems during pregnancy.
Women who are pregnant and have gum disease are more likely to have kids who are born early or with low birth weight. Bacteria from gum infections can get into the bloodstream and hurt the baby as it grows.
- Loss of mental ability.
A new study shows that gum disease and cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer’s disease, may be linked. Gum disease can cause long-lasting inflammation, which may make brain inflammation and damage worse.
Take a proactive approach to prevent periodontal disease.
Avoiding gum disease is very important for keeping your mouth and general health in good shape. Here are some very important tips:
- Practice good oral hygiene: To keep your mouth healthy, brush your teeth twice a day with toothpaste that has fluoride in it. Also, floss every day to get rid of plaque and food bits.
- Regular dental checkups: Get your teeth cleaned and checked out by your dentist on a regular basis to get rid of tartar buildup and catch any early signs of gum disease.
- A healthy diet: A healthy diet with lots of fruits, veggies, and whole grains can help keep your teeth healthy.
- Limit your intake of sugary snacks and drinks: Too much sugar can cause cavities and gum disease.
- Do not smoke: It makes your immune system weaker and raises your chance of gum disease.
- Deal with your stress: Stress can hurt your oral health. Use methods to deal with stress, like yoga or meditation.
By doing these things and getting dental care promptly, you can greatly lower your chances of getting gum disease and the health problems that come with it. Remember that the health of your mouth shows how healthy you are overall.
