Are you aware of the hidden dangers of gum disease? It’s a common dental problem that can have far-reaching implications for your whole body. In this article, we’ll explore how gum disease can affect your overall health and what you can do to protect yourself from its potentially damaging effects.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a condition that affects the tissues and bone that support your teeth. It’s usually caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If plaque isn’t removed, it can harden and turn into tartar. Tartar can irritate your gums and cause them to bleed. Gum disease can be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild gum disease is called gingivitis. Gingivitis doesn’t usually cause permanent damage to your teeth or gums. With proper brushing and flossing, you can often reverse gingivitis before it turns into something more serious.
Moderate to severe gum disease is called periodontitis. Periodontitis can damage the bone and tissues that support your teeth. It can also lead to tooth loss.
Causes of Gum Disease
There are a few things that can cause gum disease, including:
1. Plaque: Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on our teeth. If not removed, it can harden into tartar, which can irritate the gums and lead to gum disease.
2. Tobacco use: Smoking or using other tobacco products can contribute to gum disease by interfering with the body’s ability to fight off infection.
3. Hormonal changes: Changes in hormone levels (such as during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause) can make gums more sensitive and susceptible to inflammation.
4. Certain medications: Some medications (such as certain heart medicines and steroids) can cause dry mouth, which can lead to an increase in plaque and tartar formation.
5. Diabetes: People with diabetes are at increased risk for gum disease because they tend to have a harder time fighting off infections.
How Does Gum Disease Affect Overall Health?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a serious infection of the gums that can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems. Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. Plaque forms on teeth when food isn’t removed completely or when poor oral hygiene allows bacteria to grow. If plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a professional cleaning.
Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, is marked by redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can progress to periodontitis, which destroys the gum tissue and bone that support the teeth. Periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and has been linked to other serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
If you have gum disease, your dentist will work with you to develop a treatment plan that may include special mouthwashes, antibiotics, or surgery.
Prevention Strategies
Most people are aware of the fact that gum disease can lead to tooth loss. However, what many people don’t realize is that gum disease can also have a serious impact on their overall health. While there are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of gum disease, there are also a number of prevention strategies that can be used to help reduce the risk.
One of the best ways to prevent gum disease is to practice good oral hygiene. This means brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis, as well as visiting your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. It’s also important to avoid tobacco products, as they can increase your risk of developing gum disease.
If you already have gum disease, it’s important to get treatment as soon as possible. There are a number of available treatments that can help improve your oral health and reduce the progression of gum disease. In some cases, surgery may even be necessary to restore damaged tissue.
By following these prevention strategies, you can help reduce your risk of developing gum disease or experiencing its serious consequences.
Conclusion
Gum disease can have serious consequences for your overall health, so it is important to take the necessary steps to protect yourself. Regularly brushing and flossing your teeth as well as seeing a dentist regularly are all essential in maintaining good oral hygiene and reducing the risk of gum disease.
Book appointment with our Airdrie dentist about what other preventive measures you should take if you want to keep your teeth healthy and free from any potential damage caused by gum disease.
