Do you ever see blood in the sink after you brush or floss? It might seem like a normal occurrence, but it’s much more serious than that. It’s one of the most common signs of gingivitis, or the early stage of gum disease. Although gum disease, also called periodontal disease, by itself is unpleasant to say the least, it can lead to other health problems in areas other than your mouth. Let’s look at 4 diseases that can occur if you don’t get your gum infection treated with gum disease therapy in Vero Beach.
Dementia
Although the gums are physically near the brain, you wouldn’t normally associate gum disease with brain problems. However, studies have shown that people with declining oral health, which often results in periodontal disease in Vero Beach, are more likely to develop dementia. Specifically, research has demonstrated that the same strain of bacteria that is often present in gum disease is found in the brain tissue of patients with Alzheimer’s.
Heart Disease
Gum disease and heart disease share a lot of risk factors, such as smoking and frequent alcohol consumption, but that doesn’t appear to be the only connection. The link hasn’t been definitively proven, but a popular theory claims that inflammation in the gum tissue sets off a chain reaction of inflammation throughout the body, which eventually leads to the heart, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. This may be due to the fact that gum disease creates holes between the teeth and gums through which bacteria can enter the bloodstream and wreak havoc on the entire body.
Cancer
A 2008 study showed that there was a small but significant increase in overall cancer risk in people with periodontal disease. Pancreatic cancer is the most common of these diseases. This is likely because a type of bacteria that is commonly associated with gum disease – Treponema denticola – is common in tumors of cancers in the gastrointestinal tract.
Lung Problems
Out of all the health conditions linked to gum disease, this one makes the most sense. The mouth is directly connected to the lungs. When you have periodontal disease, you may end up breathing bacteria straight into your lungs and causing infections like pneumonia. Certain strains of bacteria may also increase your risk of lung cancer, especially if you smoke.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
Follow these steps to keep gum disease at bay:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss once a day
- Avoid smoking
- Limit sugary snacks and beverages
- Visit your dentist in Vero Beach at least twice a year for a checkup and cleaning
Gum disease is no fun, but contracting other health problems due to gum disease is even less fun. Stick to the steps listed above to avoid getting any of these issues.
About the Author
Dr. Adam Jones earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. His practice offers gum disease therapy to treat the condition before it can spread to other parts of the body. If you think you may have periodontal disease, contact him on his website or by calling (772)-774-3463.