How Can Bad Gums Affect Overall Health?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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If you have poor oral health you are at risk for cardiovascular disease . The bacteria from the infected gums enters the bloodstream, and can cause the arteries to build up plaque. This can put you at risk for a heart attack.

Can receding gums cause other health problems?

Research has linked oral health problems such as periodontal or gum disease to many health conditions, including diabetes, heart and kidney disease, Alzheimer’s, asthma, osteoporosis, and cancer .

Can gum disease cause other problems?

However, gum disease can spread and affect tissue, teeth, and bones if left untreated . Complications include: abscess or infection in the gingiva or jaw bone. periodontitis — a more serious condition that can lead to loss of bone and teeth.

Can rotten teeth make you sick?

Poisoning in the bloodstream. Although not an immediate consequence, dentists strongly advise that letting rotten teeth go unattended can lead to blood poisoning . This happens because the rot from the teeth keeps getting deposited into the mouth, and in most cases, it’s swallowed along with saliva.

Can gum disease make you tired?

If we suffer from gum disease or oral infections, the blood vessels are used to transport the pathogens to different parts of the body. This means that the longer the disease is present, the more likely it is for it to start affecting other organs, causing you to feel tired and worn out .

How can early detection of gum disease affect your long term health?

#1: It Decreases The Likelihood of Other Health Conditions

The inflammation and bacteria associated with periodontal disease have the potential to impact other parts of the body. Detecting gum disease and treating it early will significantly decrease your chances of acquiring a harmful secondary health condition.

What does gum disease indicate?

Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place . It’s typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—to build up on the teeth and harden.

What is Stage 4 periodontal disease?

Stage 4: Progressive Periodontitis

This stage involves teeth looseness, shifting teeth, red, swollen and painful gums, often forming an abscess. The end result — eating and even smiling is hard and painful, and you may lose most of your teeth.

Is gum disease an autoimmune disease?

Periodontitis is considered an autoimmune disease because your body’s immune system is attacking your own tissues due to the ongoing chronic inflammation.

Can gum disease affect the brain?

gingivalis can kill brain neurons and boost production of beta-amyloid plaques, clumps of tangled proteins that are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s , an international team reported in 2019 in Science Advances.

Which tooth is connected to the heart?

Heart – Upper and lower third molars (wisdom teeth)

Can gum disease cause inflammation in the body?

Gum disease not only causes damage to the gums and bone around the teeth, but can also play a role in the inflammation present in other parts of the body . Current research suggests that the bacteria that causes gum disease can also cause inflammation of the heart and other organs.

Can rotten teeth affect your brain?

Tooth decay and gum disease can lead to serious health problems, including brain or heart infections .

How does a gum infection make you feel?

Symptoms of a dental abscess

Symptoms of an abscess in your tooth or gum may include: an intense throbbing pain in the affected tooth or gum that may come on suddenly and gets gradually worse . pain that spreads to your ear, jaw and neck on the same side as the affected tooth or gum.

How do I know if my teeth are making me sick?

throbbing pain in the jawbone, ear or neck (typically on the same side as the tooth pain) pain that worsens when you lie down. sensitivity to pressure in the mouth. sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks.

Can gum disease cause shortness of breath?

Periodontal Disease, Heart Disease and Stroke

This causes the arteries to narrow, constricting blood flow. Oxygen is restricted from traveling to the heart which results in shortness of breath , chest pain and even heart attack.

What happens when gum disease is left untreated?

The Risks of Untreated Gum Disease

Avoiding treatment for periodontitis can cause gaps in your teeth, receding gums, sensitive teeth, mouth sores, chronic bad breath, and tooth loss . Gum disease has also been connected to an array of serious health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and more.

What happens if you leave gingivitis untreated?

Long-term risk of untreated periodontal disease

Untreated gingivitis will progress into periodontitis, which is a more severe stage of gum disease . The infection and pockets deepen while eating away at your jaw until your teeth become loose and fall out.

How long does it take to cure gum disease?

Take To Heal? If you have the first stage of gum disease, gingivitis, you can usually expect to heal and recover within 14 days of getting a deep cleaning, assuming you take your prescribed antibiotics and maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing thoroughly.

Can a dentist fix periodontal disease?

Your dentist can help catch early signs of gingivitis at your regular cleanings and checkups. In most cases, you can cure gum in this stage. However, as the disease progresses and reaches periodontitis, it can’t be cured, only treated.

What does Stage 1 gum disease look like?

Stage 1: Gingivitis

Gingivitis results from a build-up of plaque around the teeth, causing swelling and redness in the gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, and occasional bad breath . At this point, the infection is mild and has not attacked the tooth root or bones, which means it is reversible.

Will getting dentures stop gum disease?

Yes, we can treat receding gums so that dentures can be fitted . Receding gums can be provoked by several issues, ranging from gum disease to age. Left untreated, receding gums can lead to tooth loss. Vallejo patients who need to fit dentures should address any gum recession first.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.