Many people think that periodontal disease, or gum disease, is just an oral health issue. However, research has shown that this condition can have far-reaching effects on your entire body. From your heart to your lungs, periodontal disease can cause serious health problems if it is not treated promptly and correctly. Let’s take a closer look at how periodontal disease can affect your whole body.
Heart Health and Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular issues such as high blood pressure and heart attack. This is because the presence of bacteria in the gums can get into the bloodstream and cause inflammation throughout the body, including the circulatory system. This inflammation can also increase the risk of stroke. It’s important to note that while there is a strong correlation between periodontal disease and heart health issues.
Relationship Between Periodontitis and Respiratory Diseases
It isn’t just heart health that can be affected by gum disease; respiratory health is also at risk. Studies have found a relationship between periodontitis and respiratory diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) and pneumonia. The bacteria from gum disease may enter the lungs through inhalation or aspiration, causing infection or inflammation in the airways—a condition known as aspiration pneumonia. It’s important to practice good oral hygiene to reduce your risk of developing these conditions, particularly if you are a smoker or have other risk factors for COPD or pneumonia.
Other Health Risks Associated with Gum Disease
In addition to cardiovascular and respiratory risks, periodontal diseases have been linked to several other medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes and some forms of cancer. The bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body where they may cause inflammation and other complications in different organs. Therefore, it is essential to seek treatment for gum disease as soon as possible in order to reduce your risk of complications associated with this condition. Conclusion: Taking care of our oral health should be one of our top priorities since it affects so much more than just our teeth! Periodontal diseases can lead to serious medical conditions like type 2 diabetes, COPD, stroke, heart attack and more so it’s important to pay attention to signs of gum infection such as redness, swelling or bleeding gums when brushing or flossing teeth regularly.
If you start experiencing any symptoms associated with periodontitis, don’t hesitate to see a dental professional immediately! With proper diagnosis and treatment from an experienced dentist, you’ll be able to keep your mouth healthy —and protect yourself from further complications down the line!
If you have any questions about periodontal disease, call our office at (702) 735-3284.
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