- Periodontitis, a severe gum disease, can lead to tooth loss and affect other body parts.
- It’s linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases, arthritis, and pregnancy complications.
- Bacteria from plaque buildup cause periodontitis and can increase with high blood sugar levels or smoking.
- Symptoms may include red, swollen gums, bad taste in the mouth, and loose teeth.
- Prevention and treatment methods include replacing missing teeth, regular dental checkups, mouthwash, and quitting smoking.
Regarding oral health, most people tend to focus on dental hygiene and cavity prevention. However, many fail to realize that oral health is interconnected with overall health and wellness. This is especially true in the case of periodontitis, a severe gum disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Not only can periodontitis lead to tooth loss, but it can also affect other parts of your body, causing several health issues. Here’s what you need to know about periodontitis, how it can affect other parts of your body and ways to deal with it.
What is Periodontitis?
First, it’s essential to understand what periodontitis is. Generally speaking, it’s an inflammatory disease of the tissues supporting and surrounding teeth. This includes the gums, alveolar bone, tooth roots, and other structures in the mouth.
Periodontitis typically starts with plaque buildup on your teeth. As bacteria build up around them, they can create a film called tartar. This tartar then serves as the perfect breeding ground for more bacteria and can also irritate your gums.
The signs of periodontitis, however, don’t appear until you’ve already had it for some time. These may include red or swollen gums that tend to bleed when brushing or flossing, loose teeth, and a bad taste in your mouth.
How Can Periodontitis Affect Other Parts of Your Body?
Periodontitis can affect other body parts, and the implications are profound. Here’s what you need to know about it.
1. Cardiovascular Disease
Research has suggested a strong link between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease. Studies have found that people with periodontitis are twice as likely to develop heart disease and have a much higher risk of suffering from a heart attack. The bacteria that cause gum disease can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation in the arteries, leading to blockages that can trigger heart attacks and strokes.
2. Diabetes
Periodontitis can also affect blood sugar levels and make it more challenging to manage diabetes. High blood sugar levels can cause the bacteria in plaque to thrive, leading to more severe gum disease. Additionally, periodontitis can cause inflammation throughout the body, making it harder for insulin to work effectively, leading to challenges in regulating blood sugar levels.
3. Respiratory Disease
Inhaling bacteria from infected gum tissue has been linked to respiratory problems such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and other lung diseases. When inhaling the bacteria, they can travel to your lungs and cause an infection, leading to severe respiratory problems.
4. Arthritis
Arthritis is a painful inflammation of the joints that can affect people of all ages. Research has shown that people with periodontitis have a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. It is speculated that the bacteria in the mouth can trigger the body’s immune system, leading to joint inflammation and pain.
5. Pregnancy Complications
Finally, periodontitis has been linked to pregnancy complications such as premature birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia. The bacteria that cause gum disease can enter the bloodstream and affect the developing fetus, leading to serious health problems.
Prevention and Treatment
Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent and treat periodontitis. Here are four ways:
Replace Missing Tooth
Swollen gums are caused by bacteria living between teeth. It’s essential to replace missing teeth as soon as possible to decrease the number of bacteria living there. This will help slow the progression of periodontitis and reduce inflammation in your mouth. You can visit a tooth replacement service to help you. They can install a bridge, implants, dentures, or another tooth replacement solution to restore your mouth’s appearance and functionality.
Regular Cleanings and Checkups
Visiting the dentist regularly is essential to keep your oral health in check. Professional cleanings can help remove hardened plaque from your teeth and gums that cannot be removed by brushing or flossing at home. This will help reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth and slow the progression of periodontitis.
Use a Mouthwash
Using an antibacterial or antiseptic mouthwash can also help fight against infection and prevent gum disease from developing further. Look for products with natural ingredients, such as tea tree oil, which is known to have potent antimicrobial properties.
Quit Smoking
Smoking can exacerbate periodontitis and make it more challenging to treat. Quitting smoking can help reduce inflammation in your mouth and improve your overall health. It’s never too late to quit, so speak with a healthcare professional if you need help or support in quitting for good.
Taking care of your oral health is an essential part of overall wellness. Periodontitis is a severe gum disease that can affect other parts of your body, leading to serious and even life-threatening health complications. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent it from progressing and treat it if you already have it.
