Gum disease—a progressive and chronic infection of the gum tissue—can cause severe oral health complications. For example, without treatment from a dentist, individuals affected by it may experience bleeding and receding gums, shifting teeth, and tooth loss. But beyond impacting your mouth, this condition can impair other areas of your body. To better demonstrate these dangers, here are four health problems that are linked to gum disease.  

What Health Complications Are Tied to Gum Disease?

1. Heart Disease

It’s believed that the inflammation caused by gum disease may also impact the cardiovascular system—such as by causing blood vessel inflammation. Over time, this pattern may contribute to the development of heart disease—a chronic condition that can increase one’s risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

2. Diabetes Complications

In some cases, gum disease can be a sign of diabetes. However, gum disease may cause additional complications even if you already know you have diabetes. When your body is working to fight the infection around the gums, your blood sugar levels can elevate. As a result, diabetics may have a hard time maintaining good blood sugar control—a precursor to a variety of complications, including fatigue, vision problems, increased urination, and heightened infection risk.

3. Pneumonia

The oral bacteria that cause gum disease may also be responsible for the development of bacterial pneumonia—a severe infection of the lungs that can be fatal without treatment. This infection can occur when those with gum disease inhale bacteria, leading it to the lungs. In more advanced cases, the bacteria may also reach the lungs—and other areas of the body—through the bloodstream.

4. Dementia

As gum disease progresses without dentist intervention, it can wear away bone and tissues that help prevent bacteria from entering the bloodstream. If the condition advances this far, research suggests that harmful oral bacteria may travel to the brain and cause nerve damage. While the exact connection is not yet known, this cause-and-effect may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia—a group of conditions characterized by progressive cognitive decline.

When you want to take care of your entire body, you have to take care of your mouth. Fortunately, when you’re a patient of Gregory E. Utecht, D.D.S., optimizing your oral health is easy. Based in Lincoln, NE, this family dentist offers comprehensive teeth cleanings and exams to help prevent gum disease, cavities, and other common problems. If you’re suffering from gingivitis or gum disease, Dr. Utecht also offers gentle, customized treatment to help manage the infection and repair your smile. To learn more about these services, visit this general dentistry clinic online. For appointments, call (402) 477-3456.