Periodontal disease is a complex gum infection that involves tissue damage, bone loss and, eventually, tooth loss. The outcomes aren’t exclusive to your mouth, however. Without periodontal disease treatment, you may experience adverse effects elsewhere in your body. Below are a few complications that can arise, as well as tips on how you can prevent gum disease.

How Gum Disease Affects Your Body

1. Reduced Heart Health

Periodontal disease has been linked to heart health. The bacteria behind both diseases can enter your bloodstream through open wounds in gum tissue. As they travel to the heart, they can cause blood vessel inflammation. It can also lead to plaque build-up in the arteries, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular complications.

To prevent gum disease, brush and floss at least twice a day. You should see the dentist twice a year and take extra precautions if you’re living with diabetes—a condition that increases your chances of developing gum disease.

2. Cognitive Impairment

Gum disease has also been linked to neurological conditions, like Alzheimer’s disease. This form of dementia leads to extensive memory loss, trouble problem-solving and reasoning, and even total cognitive impairment.

While the exact impact is unknown, studies have consistently shown the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis—the bacteria behind gum disease—in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s. However, a dentist can perform scaling and root planing, a periodontal disease treatment which removes harmful plaque, bacteria, and tartar below the gum line.

3. Respiratory Complications

Bacteria living in droplets of saliva can be inhaled into the lungs. There, they may cause chronic inflammation and worsen conditions like COPD and asthma. This bacteria can also be present on dentures and other cosmetic dentistry products.  Keeping your dentures and mouthguards clean reduces the bacteria on the surface, as well as reducing your chances of getting pneumonia!

Reduce your chances of gum disease by eating a balanced diet low in sugars and acidic foods. Watch out for starchy sweets that may promote decay, and eliminate soda, sports drinks, and other problematic beverages.

Whether you require periodontal disease treatment or are just overdue for a teeth cleaning, Steckelberg Dental can handle it all. This Lincoln, NE, dentist has a wide scope of services ranging from children to adult care as well as cosmetic dentistry. They create a customized care plan with each patient, which you can learn more about on their website. Call (402) 489-7800 to speak with a representative.