Most people associate periodontal disease with inflamed gums and tooth loss. However, advanced gum disease can also do damage to other areas of the body. The leading family dentistry experts at Lowitz & Meier in Cincinnati, OH, share some different ways periodontal disease affects other areas of your body in the sections below. 

4 Ways Periodontal Disease Can Affect Your Health

1. Heart Disease

Individuals with gum disease have an increased chance of experiencing heart disease. The bacteria in the mouth can make its way into the bloodstream and stick to the fatty deposits in the heart’s blood vessels, making a person more susceptible to having a heart attack.

2. Diabetes

Patients with diabetes have to pay extra attention to their oral health. It can cause the blood vessels in the body to thicken, which can prevent them from delivering nutrients to the mouth and removing harmful waste. This can make a person more susceptible to gum infections. In addition, periodontal disease can cause blood sugar to spike, leading to diabetes complications.

3. Respiratory Diseases

Advanced gum disease has also been linked to pneumonia, bronchitis, and other respiratory diseases. The bacteria that cause periodontal disease can travel to the lower respiratory tract and settle in the lungs, making breathing more difficult. 

4. Pregnancy Complications

Pregnancy increases the level of the hormone progesterone in a woman’s body, which makes it easier for gum disease-causing bacteria to grow inside the mouth. Gum disease can lead to serious pregnancy complications, like premature labor and low birth weight. It’s important for pregnant women to get examined regularly at a family dentistry office to reduce the risk of periodontal disease and other oral health problems. 

If your gums are puffier than usual or bleed when you brush your teeth, see a dentist. The family dentistry experts at Lowitz & Meier help their patients achieve optimal oral health and offer a variety of dental care services, including gum disease treatment, teeth whitening, and root canals. To schedule an appointment, call them at (513) 521-8900 or visit their website for more information.