How Preventing and Managing Gum Disease Provides a Path to Overall Wellness
Brush and floss regularly for healthy gums and healthy teeth! If you’re like most, you’ve been hearing this mantra since you were a child. By now, you probably know that keeping your gums healthy is just as important as keeping your teeth healthy, especially because gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Healthy gums are key to a healthy smile, but did you know that the health of your gums can also affect other aspects of your health, making a significant impact on your overall wellbeing? Science has linked gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, to several other systemic health problems, which can significantly impact your ability to live your best and healthiest life.
Diabetes
According to the American Academy of Periodontology, people with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease, and gum disease in diabetic patients can lead to diabetic complications, as well as increases in blood sugar. Scientists believe that gum disease and diabetes are linked because people with diabetes are more likely to have infections than the general public. If you have or are at risk of developing diabetes, keeping your gums healthy through regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits can help you avoid potentially serious complications while ensuring that you maintain your beautiful smile.
Heart Disease
Though research hasn’t proven that gum disease causes heart disease, it is a risk factor, meaning that if you have gum disease, you are more likely to develop heart disease. Most doctors believe that inflammation of the gums can make heart disease worse. Some research also indicates that gum disease may be a contributing factor to strokes.
Respiratory Disease
If you have gum disease, you have bacteria in your mouth, and if you have bacteria in your mouth, it’s just a few short breaths away from traveling to your lungs. Once bacteria is in your lungs, it can cause respiratory diseases, such as pneumonia. Respiratory diseases are frustrating for everyone, but they can be especially dangerous for the very young, very old, or those with compromised immune systems.
Healthy Gums and Healthy Bodies
If you want a long-lasting, healthy smile full of brilliant, white teeth, taking care of your gums is a necessity, but the brilliance of your smile isn’t all that is at stake. If you have diseased gums, you are more likely to have poor health overall, so be proactive and protect yourself against gum disease through regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits. Dental visits are of special importance because most people who have gum disease don’t know that they have gum disease because periodontitis doesn’t always present symptoms until it is severe. Regular dental checkups are the only foolproof way to keep your mouth healthy and clear of bacteria.
If you’re hoping to boost your overall health by maintaining a healthy smile, schedule an appointment with Stoneham dentist, Dr. Doyle today. Our team is ready and wanting to help you get healthy!