Gum Disease: It’s About More Than Just Your Gums
Most people hear about gum disease and associate it right away with dental health issues. – and they wouldn’t be far wrong. However, gum disease isn’t just a condition that affects the gums. There is plenty of evidence to show that gum disease is linked to a range of other illnesses and diseases in the body, and if you want to look after your oral health better, you will also prevent gum disease.
When your gums are sore and swollen, it doesn’t just mean that you have poor oral health. It can show that you are dealing with a range of issues that can affect your gums as a result. Your gum disease can be a factor in Alzheimer’s, diabetes, heart disease, and even arthritis. Below, we’re going to go through how gum disease links to other conditions:
Heart Disease
Those who deal with gum disease are often dealing with other conditions that put their body at risk. For example, if you have gum disease and you smoke, your blood vessels and blood pressure can be affected when you have gum disease, which then links to your heart. Good gum health is imperative for good heart health and ensuring that you are practicing healthy habits while also seeing your dentist regularly.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
There has been research published to show that tooth loss can predict whether you develop rheumatoid arthritis as well as how severe it will be. Tooth loss can be the result of gum disease, so it’s important to book regular check-ups with your dentist so that your gum disease doesn’t progress to periodontal disease. When this happens, tooth loss is often the result, leaving you vulnerable to more significant issues. Paying close attention to your health is so important, and the earlier you attend to this, the better off you will be. The idea is to prevent any serious issues – such as rheumatoid arthritis – and you can do that when you have any gum issues sorted early.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Most people don’t realize that gum disease can point to progression in an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. It can become worse with the presence of gum disease, and certain types of bacteria are implicated in inflamed gums. With the right brushing, flossing, and washing techniques, you can ensure that you are not dealing with gum disease at all!
The Key: Great Oral Care!
If you are concerned about gum disease, the best thing you can do is book an appointment with your dentist today. Learning the best way to care for your teeth and gums is imperative in the quest for excellent oral health. You can bet that your gums will be in tip-top shape in no time with the right care.
Avoiding future diseases and cancer will ensure that you are in the best health possible, and you can do that when you look after your gums. Dropping bad habits like smoking will also help, so look into what you could do to prevent gum disease.