Medical Conditions That Can Be Linked to Gum Disease
The condition of your oral health is directly related to your physical health. When your oral health is in poor condition, it can cause problems in other areas of your body. Periodontal disease (which is commonly referred to as gum disease) can cause serious illness and lead to the development of several chronic health conditions. There have been several studies done over recent years that show a direct connection to gum disease and issues such as heart disease, diabetes, lung infections, and respiratory diseases. Seeing a periodontist in FL is one way to learn more about how to manage caring for the health of your gums. In addition to seeing a periodontist, you can also read our helpful guide on the link between gum disease and other medical conditions.
Lung Infections and Respiratory Diseases
The mouth is closely connected to the rest of your body. By thinking of it as a gateway to your entire body, you can begin to understand how it is that the health of your mouth can impact the health of the rest of your body, especially when it comes to the connection between gum disease and lung infections and respiratory diseases. When you have periodontal disease, your mouth is full of harmful bacteria that can be aspirated into your lungs. This contributes to the development of infections and diseases like pneumonia. Gum disease not only introduces infection to your lungs, but it can also impact the way that your lungs work. Many people with advanced stage gum disease (periodontitis) have reduced functioning in their lungs. This is because the disease causes inflammation in the tubes that carry air to the lungs, which then makes the tubes smaller and restricts airflow. Additionally, people who have periodontal disease are more likely to have serious symptoms when they do develop emphysema, pneumonia or bronchitis.
Heart Disease
The heart is also closely connected to your oral health. Since gum disease is able to travel to other areas of the body, it can find its way to the heart and cause its vessels to become inflamed. This can also cause the heart valves to become infected. Inflammation is a protective mechanism that allows the body to respond to pathogens and irritants. However, if inflammation occurs over long periods of time, it can cause significant damage to tissues and organs.
This damage can spread throughout your cardiovascular system as the bacteria from gum disease moves from your mouth, into your bloodstream and enters the vessels and valves there.
Inflammation in the cardiovascular system caused by gum disease is especially concerning in patients who already have some type of pre-existing cardiovascular disease. This is because the further inflammation or infection caused by the gum disease can worsen those pre-existing issues. People who have artificial heart valves need to be especially cautious about keeping their mouth healthy. These patients may need to take antibiotics before undergoing any type of treatment for periodontal disease or other dental health issues. Your periodontist in FL will work with your cardiologist to develop any type of specialized treatment plan that you may be in need of due to your pre-existing heart condition.
Diabetes
Diabetes is another chronic health condition connected to gum disease. Diabetes is diagnosed when the body can’t regulate blood sugar or make insulin properly. If you have diabetes, you are at a greater risk of having gum disease than someone who doesn’t have diabetes. Periodontal disease is considered to be a complication of diabetes. Not controlling your blood sugar can cause high blood sugar levels inside of your mouth, which encourages the bacteria causing gum disease to grow. In addition to this, any infection caused by untreated periodontal disease causes higher blood sugar levels in your body, which makes it harder to manage diabetes.
Patients who have diabetes can work with their general dentist and a periodontist to ensure that their teeth, gums and mouth remain healthy. They should also receive regular checkups with their dentist, along with developing an at-home oral hygiene routine. It’s also important that patients who have diabetes keep their blood sugar levels under control.
Autoimmune Disease
Gum inflammation and periodontal disease are also associated with various autoimmune disorders. These include lupus, Crohn’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Since autoimmune disorders are frequently treated with methods that suppress the immune system, people who have them are at an increased risk of developing periodontal disease. This also makes it more difficult for the body to effectively fight off any type of infection.
There have been some studies published recently that suggest that people with more plaque and gum disease than normal are more likely to develop an autoimmune disease in the future. As we learn more about the link between our mouths and the rest of our health, it is becoming clearer that it is incredibly important to take care of our oral health.
Preventing Gum Disease
Luckily, the prevention and treatment of gum disease is fairly simple. Receiving routine cleanings from a dental healthcare professional is an important part of preventing gum disease. You should also be scheduling checkups every six months so that your dentist can assess the condition of your teeth, gums, and mouth on a regular basis. Brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day is also an important part of preventing gum disease. No matter what type of medical conditions you have, you should make taking care of your oral health a priority.
If you have symptoms such as red, tender or swollen gums, receding gums, or bleeding whenever you brush or floss, you should call a periodontist in FL at Dental Specialty Centers of Florida, as these are indications that you have gum disease. Treating gum disease promptly is important, as the earlier it is treated the easier it is to treat. Treatment will also reduce your risk of having further complications develop.
