Gum disease is incredibly unpleasant to experience, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t interesting to read about. This common oral affliction begins as gingivitis, inflammation of the gums with symptoms such as swelling, bleeding, and an angry red color. If it goes untreated, gingivitis will advance to periodontitis which causes a receding gumline, tooth loss, and other unfavorable outcomes. Thankfully, your dentist has your back for everything you need to prevent it from happening. Here are some facts to know about gum disease that are fun to read about but nasty to experience.
Gum Disease Can Spread to Other People
If you thought that gum disease couldn’t be spread to your friends and family, you are unfortunately mistaken. The bacteria that cause it can be spread through saliva. This means that sharing a beverage or double-dipping in a shared bowl can spread gum disease from one person to another. Oral contact such as kissing or mouth-to-mouth resuscitation can transmit this affliction, so taking care of your hygiene is actually a courtesy to your loved ones and your lifeguard.
Gum Disease Can Spread to Other Parts of the Body
When gum disease reaches the periodontitis stage, it can destroy the tissue holding the teeth in place, resulting in tooth loss. This affliction can also lead to erosion of the jawbone, which can make it harder to replace lost teeth with dental implants. The bacteria that cause it can spread through the circulatory system to other tissues of the body. While this may increase the risk of heart disease by building up plaque in blood vessels, it can also result in potentially fatal secondary infections like sepsis.
Gum Disease and Diabetes Are Like Two Best Friends Who Enjoy Making You Miserable
If a patient has untreated gum disease, their immune system will fight an exhausting war against it until it is resolved. This constant strain on the endocrine system can increase the likelihood of developing or aggravate an existing case of diabetes. Diabetes, on the other hand, hinders the immune system, meaning that diabetics are more likely to develop gum disease and have a harder time fighting it. If you put them both together, either can make the other more severe and more difficult to treat.
Gum disease is a significant threat to your overall health and quality of life. Luckily, good oral hygiene and regular dental visits can prevent it from ever happening. Your dentist is your gums’ best friend, so you should make sure that the two of them see each other regularly.
About the Practice
Diamond Hill Dental strives to deliver the best ongoing oral healthcare available to the community of Cumberland, RI. Led by Drs. Saba K. Abernethy and Maxwell Aniconi, the staff is dedicated to providing outstanding customer service using the latest and greatest dental techniques and technology. Areas of expertise include general, cosmetic, pediatric, restorative, and emergency dentistry in addition to periodontal treatments. For more information on preventing gum disease, contact the office online or dial (401) 333-2700.