4 Health Risks of Periodontal Diseases

Gum disease or periodontal disease is associated with a lot of systemic diseases and health problems. The effects of periodontitis are directly associated with the extent of the infection and untreated duration of the gum disease. Periodontal disease is a result of a bacterial infection which has the capacity to break down the immune system and decrease the body’s abilities to fight infection. Gum disease augments the risk of stroke, diabetes, heart attacks, respiratory diseases, osteoporosis and digestive disorders.

Treating the inflammation not only treats periodontal disease, it also eliminates entrenched diabetes, endocarditis and other diseases.

1. Diabetes

individuals with diabetes can contract infections faster and are prone to develop gum disease which increases blood sugar levels and diabetic complications. Chronic periodontitis leads to raised blood sugar for lengthy periods of time forcing the body to function at abnormal levels giving way to diabetic complications.

2. Heart Disease

Inflammation due to periodontal disease can aggravate heart diseases putting patients at a risk of infective endocarditis. The patient may have to take prescriptive antibiotics prior to the treatment of periodontitis.

3. Stroke

Stroke and periodontitis are closely related to each other. Individuals with oral infection have been diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia leading to the risk of stroke.

4. Premature birth

Women diagnosed with oral infections are susceptible to preterm or premature deliveries increasing the health risks for the infant. It is best that pregnant women treat periodontal disease within the 35th week of gestation.

FAQs

1. How does gum disease contribute to diabetes?

Gum disease raises blood sugar levels, complicating diabetes control and increasing the risk of diabetic complications. People with diabetes are also more prone to gum infections.

2. Is there a link between gum disease and stroke?

Yes, oral infections are associated with acute cerebrovascular ischemia, which increases the risk of stroke in individuals with untreated periodontal disease.

3. How does gum disease weaken the immune system?

The bacterial infection in periodontal disease breaks down the body’s ability to fight infections, allowing bacteria and inflammation to contribute to systemic health issues.