Taking good care of your teeth will prevent dental problems and long-term effects on your general health. Visiting a dentist is a must, as is a good oral hygiene routine. This will help prevent gum disease, which is a serious problem that can affect chronic conditions.
How does gum disease affect chronic conditions?
It May Reduce Your Body’s Ability to Fight Off Bacteria
Gum disease can attack the gums and is an infection caused by bacteria. It can also attack the bones around your teeth, and if left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. Because gum disease is a result of a bacterial infection, it can cause inflammation and swelling in other parts of your body, which can lead to heart problems and damage the kidneys, brain and joints. Such chronic conditions can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Increased Risk of Stroke
A stroke can cause permanent disability or even death and is caused either by a blood clot that blocks an artery in the brain or bleeding in the brain. When blood flow is blocked for longer than 30 minutes, brain cells will start to die off rapidly, and this damage can cause a person to lose some or all of their ability to speak or move.
A Greater Risk for Respiratory Problems
Bacteria can spread from your gums to other areas of your body, including the lungs. Bacteria can cause inflammation and lead to different conditions like pneumonia or bronchitis, both of which will affect a person’s breathing.
Increases Your Risk of Metabolic Syndrome
This will increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and common symptoms of metabolic syndrome include high blood pressure, central obesity and low levels of good cholesterol.
More Frequent Concerns Like Cavities or Root Abscesses
Bacteria from the damaged tissue can enter your bloodstream through tiny capillaries close to the surface of the gums surrounding teeth. These infections can then travel throughout your body through blood vessels until they reach organs like kidneys or lungs.
It Can Affect Cognitive Function
Gum disease can be the result of poor oral health, which can interfere with cognitive function and reduce school attendance for students. Kids can fall behind as a result of oral health issues and diseases. Parents must encourage proper oral hygiene from a very young age.
Conclusion
Maintaining good oral health is crucial for everyone, but especially for those managing chronic illnesses. Gum disease resulting from poor oral hygiene can increase inflammation throughout the body and indirectly lead to conditions like diabetes, stroke, respiratory disease, and cognitive function.
At Grand Bend Family Dental, our dentists closely monitor each patient for early signs of periodontal disease. We take a personalized approach to care, explaining how oral health connects to overall wellbeing and developing customized treatment plans for you. Our team is dedicated to educating and serving the Grand Bend community on the importance of routine dental visits for detecting and preventing oral health issues.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment! Call (519) 238-2368.