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Gum disease: the silent threat to your overall health

Published on Jan 27, 2025 at 1 p.m. in these categories: Regular Checkups
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However, one critical aspect of health often gets overlooked: oral health. Namely, periodontal disease is a disorder of the teeth and gums on the one hand and the whole organism on the other.

In this blog, we’ll explore the reasons for gum disease and how you can prevent gum disease. Let’s discover new things together.

What is Gum Disease?

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease that is non-communicable, affecting the gums and the bone that supports teeth. It usually begins with gingivitis, where the gums are red and swollen and may even bleed on contact with a toothbrush or floss. In non-treatment, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, the more severe stage of gum disease. Periodontitis results in the loss of the bone and tissues that support your teeth and may lead to tooth loss.

Gum disease is particularly dangerous because it develops gradually. Since some patients may develop it without pain or signs of discomfort, it is often called a silent disease.

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Causes of Gum Disease

Tartar growth mainly causes gum diseases, a thin, colorless film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. When not cleared through routine brushing and flossing activities, it forms tartar and can only be principally peeled off by a dentist. Other factors that increase the risk of gum disease include:

  • Poor oral hygiene: Poor brushing or flossing may not be as good, leading to plaque formation.
  • Smoking: Smoking is one of the leading causes of gum diseases of the mouth or periodontal diseases.
  • Genetics: Certain conditions also make you a better candidate for developing dental problems, such as periodontal disease, especially if you have a family history.
  • Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, menopause, and other hormonal changes may make sensitive gums vulnerable to inflammation.
  • Diabetes: Elevated blood sugar levels are a problem because they interfere with the body’s ability to fend off infections – including gum disease.
  • Medications: Other drugs include those that cause dry mouth due to their ability to decrease saliva production and increase your chances of developing gum disease.

Link between Oral Hygiene, Particularly the Gums, and the Rest of the Physiology

Everything in your body is interconnected, and the mouth is counted as the entry point of your body, so its health is related to your health. Numerous studies have shown that gum disease is linked to several systemic health conditions, including:

Heart Disease

It is known that gum disease is connected with cardiovascular disease. Gum disease causes inflammation and may lead to constriction of arteries, which in turn leads to heart attack and stroke. The bacteria from the infected gums can migrate to the stream and cause systemic inflammation, which may lead to arterial disease and plaque in arteries.

Diabetes

Chronic periodontitis can indirectly affect diabetes and vice versa. Diabetic people have a weakened immune system, as is the case of periodontal diseases, which are common in diabetic patients. On the other hand, gum disease can cause problems with maintaining proper blood glucose levels, leading to a cycle.

Respiratory Issues

Some bacteria from the mouth, especially periodontitis, can spread to the lungs and contribute to or trigger conditions such as pneumonia or COPD. This is especially dangerous for people of a certain age or those with compromised immune systems.

Pregnancy Complications

Women who are pregnant and have this oral condition are more likely to have complications with their pregnancy, such as preterm birth and low birth weight. Pregnancy results in hormonal changes, and the gums become more receptive to inflammation, hence the need for special care.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Some recent studies have pointed out a correlation between gum disease and Alzheimer's disease. The bacteria causing gum diseases have been isolated from the brains of patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, implying that gum diseases may cause or worsen the condition.

Other Chronic Conditions

Gum disease can also lead to other diseases, including rheumatoid, kidney, and some types of cancer. Although the exact processes have not been thoroughly understood yet, there is evidence that chronic inflammation may be at the center of type 2 diabetes.

Warning Signs of Gum Disease

Brushing and flossing daily is essential, and regular dental check-ups will help detect gum diseases early. Here are some signs to watch for:

  • Red, swollen, or tender gums
  • Vivid red spots or stains appear during a tooth brushing or flossing procedure.
  • Prolonged foul-smelling breath or a foul taste in the mouth
  • Shrinking of the gums, thus making teeth appear elongated.
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • Pus around the teeth and gums

These signs should warrant a visit to a dentist as soon as possible.

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Preventing Gum Disease

The fact, however, is that gum disease is preventable through good personal hygiene and dental check-ups. Here are some steps you can take:

Brush and Floss Daily

Your dental hygiene should involve brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily and flossing to clear the remaining plaque and particles between your teeth.

Use an Antiseptic Mouthwash

Using an antiseptic mouthwash will help kill bacteria and prevent plaque formation on the teeth.

Quit Smoking

Tobacco use alters the body's responses, making the immune system less effective in combating gum infection.

Eat a Balanced Diet

A diet with a proper balance of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish, and whole grains will strengthen your gums and teeth.

Stay Hydrated

It helps decompose food in the mouth with bacteria, reducing the chances of bacteria breeding.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Flossing and visiting your dentist for cleaning and exams are also crucial in avoiding gum disease or identifying it in its infancy.

The Importance of Education and Awareness

Increasing population awareness of gum disease is necessary to enhance the population’s health. Indeed, some individuals fail to fully appreciate the influence that oral health has on their holistic health. A reminder of the consequences of gum diseases must be emotional and regular through educational campaigns, community information, and word of mouth from their healthcare providers.

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Conclusion

Seldom does anyone consider gum disease to have implications for a person's overall health rather than just being a dental problem. If you know the factors that lead to it and learn how to prevent them, including regularly visiting a dentist, you are being preventative against it and saving your mouth and body a great deal. Focusing on the well-being of your teeth today will pay off in terms of general well-being and a great smile.

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