Gum disease patient

Be Aware Of These Periodontal Disease Dangers

When your gums become swollen and inflamed, it is a sign of impending periodontal disease. It’s the advanced stage of gum disease and it can penetrate within your gums and further into your bloodstream if it is allowed to escalate.

How does this happen? As your gums become more inflamed, they start to recede or pull away from your teeth. This forms periodontal pockets. As plaque and bacteria begin to accumulate where those pockets have formed, this leads to infection. The infection can go deeper into your bone, weakening your immune system response and causing teeth to fall out.

Signs of gum disease

Degrading oral health is natural as we age, but not looking after your gums can escalate it. Here are some causes and factors that cause periodontal disease:

  • Smoking and tobacco
  • Stress
  • A poor oral routine
  • A build-up of dental plaque and bacteria
  • Teeth grinding
  • Hormonal changes
  • Bad breath
  • Chewing sensitivity

Showing signs of periodontal disease

The Unexpected Dangers

These causes and factors will also increase these unexpected dangers of the disease that you should be aware of:

  • Tooth Loss – Periodontal disease and tooth loss have a strong connection. When your gums recede, the infection flows into your gums and down to the underlying bone. This causes weaker bone density, meaning it’s not in a position to hold your teeth firmly in their place. Eventually, your teeth will begin to fall out.
  • Heart Disease – Your body inflammation levels increase with periodontal disease as bacteria starts to enter the bloodstream. This can lead to heart disease.
  • Stroke – Peridontal disease narrows the arteries, reducing blood flow supply to the brain, causing a stroke.
  • Cancer – Research has linked periodontal disease to lung and pancreatic cancer. Alongside, if you have a lifestyle comprising a lack of physical activity and a fad diet comprising alcohol and sugar, this contributes to the higher growth of cancer cells.
  • Diabetes – The volatility of blood sugar levels makes it difficult for your body to fight off infections. If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled, this can reduce your body’s response in fighting off periodontal disease.

Prevention of periodontal disease can be started by ensuring that you look after your teeth and gums with a  strong oral routine. If you need further support with this, or if you’re experiencing periodontal disease and require an emergency appointment, we’d be happy to help! Contact us at Woden Dental Centre today and check yourself in for an appointment!

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