Gum Disease Can Negatively Affect Your Overall Health

Gum disease can be a serious threat to your dental health and your smile; however, there are many overall health risks that can accompany gum disease. Treating gum disease in its early stages is extremely important to prevent more serious threats to your health. Dr. Cliff Broschinsky and our team at Avalon Dental are ready to discuss your treatment and prevention options.

What is gum disease?

In its earliest stage, gum disease, also called gingivitis, causes reddening and inflammation in the gums. This can typically be cured with consistent dental checkups and good at-home oral hygiene, but if it is not caught early enough, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis or gum disease.

Warning signs of gum disease

Full-fledged gum disease needs a medical diagnosis and may be treated with simple antibiotics or surgery. There are, however, a few early signs that alert you to possible gum disease. Some common signs of gum disease include:

Bad breath
Pain while chewing
Sensitive teeth
Severe redness or swelling
Gums receding from teeth
Bleeding while brushing

People who smoke, have diabetes, have AIDS/HIV, or are over 65 have an increased risk of gum disease. Talk to Dr. Broschinsky if you feel you may have any of the above warning signs.

How does gum disease affect my overall health?

Besides pain in the mouth, gum disease can affect other areas of your health and body. Most commonly, gum disease can lead to heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer.

Gum disease and heart disease

Because gum disease causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, it is likely that food and bacteria will become trapped in and affect the gums. If the bacteria find their way into the bloodstream, your heart can become inflamed and damaged.

Gum disease and Alzheimer’s

Gum disease can cause a buildup of beta-amyloid, a protein that has been linked to Alzheimer’s, in the brain.

Gum disease and cancer

Similar to gum disease’s effect on the risk of developing Alzheimer’s, periodontitis produces an enzyme that is commonly found in cancerous cells and tumors.

Though it may be frightening to realize all of the possible complications that can accompany gum disease, rest easier knowing that it can be prevented and treated, especially if caught early. The team at Avalon Dental is committed to catching this disease in its earliest stages and treating it quickly. Call today to schedule a cleaning or a consultation, or book an appointment online.