The Dangers of Gum Disease

If you think that good oral health is just about caring for your teeth, you need to think again. Taking care of your gums is equally important. Gum diseases are extremely common and largely preventable. 

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease. The number of cases increases with age and 70.1% of adults aged 65 and older have periodontal disease. Gum diseases are also linked to more severe health conditions in the body. 

In this article, our team of experts at Robert A Saunders DDS PC & Brittany C Krog DDS in Fargo, North Dakota, shares more details on the dangers of gum disease.

• Heart Disease

According to a study published in the American Heart Association journal, gum disease increases the risk of heart attack by nearly 50%. It can also negatively affect the blood pressure levels of people suffering from hypertension. 

The chronic inflammation associated with gum disease may be responsible for the link between gum disease and heart diseases. 

• Stroke

According to the American Stroke Association, gum disease is linked to the occurrence of strokes, possibly due to the hardening of the large arteries in the brain or artery blockages.

• Diabetes

Periodontitis increases the risk of type 2 diabetes due to increased sugar levels. High sugar levels help oral bacteria thrive and cause gum infections. 

• Rheumatoid Arthritis

Chronic inflammation from gum disease can put the body’s defense system in overdrive, triggering an autoimmune response that can lead to issues like rheumatoid arthritis. 

• Risk of Cancer

A study by Harvard Medical School has linked gum disease to esophageal and gastric cancers. 

• Alzheimer's Disease

The bacteria that cause gum disease are also associated with Alzheimer’s according to a recent study. 

• Pneumonia

The bacteria causing gum disease can travel via the bloodstream and lead to more serious infections like pneumonia. 

• Deteriorating Oral Health

Progressing gum disease can lead to severe infections, leading to loss of teeth or even bone loss.

Preventing Gum Diseases

To prevent gum disease, you should:

• Brush your teeth twice daily and floss them using the correct technique
• Visit your dentist once every 6 months for a routine checkup and cleaning to remove built-up plaque.

To learn more about the dangers of gum disease, call Robert A Saunders DDS PC & Brittany C Krog DDS at (701) 293-9886 or visit us at 2834 S University Dr, Fargo, North Dakota 58103.