How Gum Disease Can Affect Your Overall Health

You know that dentists recommend regular visits, but you may not truly understand why. Visiting the doctor regularly helps you prevent health issues and going to the dentist can do the same. Oral health is important not only to your smile, but also to the rest of your body. Gum disease can affect many other areas of your health and preventing gum disease can take other problems off your mind.

Everyone has bacteria in their mouths and that bacteria leads to plaque build-up. When plaque constantly forms on your teeth, the bacteria can attack the enamel in your teeth. This can lead to the breaking down of the enamel and tooth decay. It can also lead to periodontal diseases, which cause your gums to be swollen and even bleed.

While periodontal disease is serious enough for you to want to avoid it on its own, it can also lead to other health issues. Here are just a few of the underlying health issues that go hand in hand with gum disease.

Heart Disease

Those with oral health issues are far more likely to have poor heart health, which can lead to heart attacks and other health issues. Some people are more genetically prone to gum disease than others and those who have such diseases are also generally more prone to heart disease. If you do not have good oral hygiene, chances are you are not taking proper care of your heart either.

Diabetes

People with diabetes are usually more prone to contracting other infections. If diabetes it not under control within a person, they are even more likely to get oral diseases. But even those who have their diabetes under careful watch can still have issues with gum disease.

Dementia

Oral issues can raise the risk of dementia as you age. Studies have shown that participants with gum disease score lower on memory tests as they age than do the general populace.

Premature Birth

If you are more worried about your future children than dementia at this stage in your life, you will be interested to learn that periodontal issues and pre-term births are often linked. Women with oral diseases are more likely to deliver a baby before he or she reaches full term, which then gives the baby more chances for health risks. Treating periodontal diseases even when you are pregnant can help the baby reach full term.

Minimizing Dangers

Everyone is at risk for gum disease and other periodontal issues. The good news is that everyone can also minimize the dangers of plaque and gingivitis in much the same manner.

Here are a few tips to help minimize plaque build-up so you can avoid gum disease and the related health issues that go along with it.

Tip 1: Brush

Dentists recommend that you brush your teeth twice a day. If you brush more often, that is okay too, but don’t overdo it or you will irritate your gums.

Tip 2: Floss

It is a good idea to floss once a day, especially if you have eaten something that sticks between your teeth.

Tip 3: Use Mouthwash

You can further reduce the bacteria in your mouth by swishing with mouthwash that has antimicrobial properties in it.

Tip 4: Visit the dentist

Get your teeth professionally examined and cleaned on a regular basis. Discuss with your dentist to determine the best schedule for you. Most dental insurance plans allow for two visits per year.

Whatever you can do to prevent periodontal diseases are things you are also doing for the benefit of your overall health. If you have any questions regarding gum disease or anything else dental-related, please contact Gables Sedation & Family Dentistry.