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The Impact of gum disease on Overall Patient Health
Increasing physical activity, eating more veggies, and getting more sleep are generally the first things that come to mind when people think about bettering their health. Perhaps taking better care of your teeth and gums isn’t on the list, but it should be. Professionals in dentistry and medicine concur that gum health is crucial for the health of your entire body, not just your mouth.
Can You Get Gum Disease?
Periodontal disease, another name for gum disease, is a degenerative condition that affects the gums and mouth and progresses gradually over time.
Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the initial and earliest stage of gum disease. Most people will experience it at some point in their lives because it is so common. Gingivitis is characterized by symptoms such as sore gums, bleeding when brushing, mild pain and redness, and occasionally little swelling. Fortunately, gingivitis is frequently treatable. If left untreated, periodontitis symptoms will get worse and eventually evolve to a more severe form of the illness.
Periodontal disease: a severe gum disease that is irreversible, causing irreversible damage to the gum and bone. With expert care, though, its growth can be halted. Periodontitis symptoms and indicators include:
Receding gums
- Modifications to the bite (the arrangement of teeth during biting or chewing)
- foul breath
- Loss of teeth or loose teeth
- Gums bleeding, swollen, and red
- uncomfortable chewing
The Relationship Between Total Health and Dental Health
The beginning of gum inflammation is the common denominator for both periodontitis and gingivitis,” states Andres-Pinto, DMD, MPH. “If left untreated, inflammation can cause the jaw bone to be destroyed, which can lead to tooth loss by breaking down the gums.”
Furthermore, inflammation raises the immune system’s alert level wherever it occurs in the body. In response, it activates white blood cells, which fight infection and alert the rest of the body to a problem. Every region of the body receives these cells via the bloodstream. Wide-ranging effects result from the robust immune response triggered by gum (or any other) inflammation, raising the risk for numerous illnesses, such as:
Heart Conditions: Heart disease and high blood pressure have been associated with gum disease-related inflammation. In response to inflammation, the cardiovascular system produces more fat and cholesterol in the circulation, which can deposit as plaque on the arterial walls. This may result in atherosclerosis, a disorder that causes blood arteries to constrict and lose their flexibility, thus obstructing blood flow.
Diabetes: Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can result in increased salivary glucose levels, which encourage the growth of gum disease-causing bacteria. Furthermore, infections brought on by untreated periodontal disease can raise blood sugar levels, which makes managing diabetes more challenging.
Disease of the Irritable Bowel (IBD): Some specialists feel that inflammation in the mouth cavity can aggravate Irritable Bowel IBD and other gastrointestinal illnesses, albeit there is just early evidence to support this theory.
Mental Well-Being: The state of our gums and teeth also affects how we feel. Advanced gum disease, tooth loss, and/or decreased smile frequency are associated with feelings of shame or self-consciousness. Because social settings can cause increased isolation, which is a primary contributor in mental deterioration, sadness, and anxiety, people may avoid them as a result.
What Leads to Gum Disease?
Poor brushing and flossing habits are the main culprit, and diet may play a role.” “After we eat, especially carbs, the glucose in the food is fed to oral bacteria, which causes the food to become sticky and deposit plaque on our teeth. He continues, “Plaque can accumulate, harden, and induce gum inflammation when teeth are not adequately cleaned. It is typically not possible to completely remove plaque from the gum line with at-home brushing and flossing, which is why dentists advise having a professional cleaning every six months.
The following are other variables that could raise your risk of gum disease:
- Use of tobacco products, such as chewing tobacco, cigars, and cigarettes
- long-term alcohol consumption
- a few prescription drugs
- inadequacies in nutrition
- Too little moisture in the mouth (dry mouth)
- Molecular Biology
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The Best Medicine Is Prevention
Severe gum disease cannot be reversed, but its progression can typically be stopped with professional dental treatment. As a result, it is preferable to avoid the issue altogether. Following precautions are beneficial:
- Avoid smoking. The risk of mouth cancer and gum disease is increased by long-term tobacco usage.
- Reduce or stop drinking alcohol. Gum disease and oral malignancies are linked to long-term alcohol consumption.
- Avoid using mouthwash with antibiotics. The proper balance of microorganisms in the mouth is essential for oral health. You should only use antibacterial rinses on your dentist’s recommendation.
- Teeth should be brushed at least twice a day. Make sure fluoride is present in your toothpaste to maintain the health of your enamel.
- At minimum, floss your teeth twice a day. A water photo can be useful if partial dentures or bridges make flossing challenging.
- Eat less starchy and carbohydrate-containing foods.
- Visit your dentist on a regular basis. Every six months, have your teeth examined and thoroughly cleaned. Individuals who have gum disease can require more frequent checkups.
