Can Gum Disease Kill You? Periodontal diseases, generically referred to as gum disease, is a serious and, in many cases, unrecognized health concern that affects millions of individuals throughout the world. To many people, gum disease might look like a simple issue but if ignored it has severe repercussions. In this article, we will explore the risks and consequences of gum, disease and answer the question: can gum disease kill you?

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a bacterial infection that impacts the tissues supporting the teeth; such as the gum, periodontal ligament, and the jawbone. It is mainly caused by the accumulation of soft sticky deposits known as plaque on the teeth and gums. If ignored and left untreated, the bacteria lead to inflammation and infection of the supporting tissues thus disintegration of the teeth and eventual extraction.

Types of Gum Disease

There are several types of gum disease, including:

Gingivitis: This is the initial stage of periodontal disease manifesting itself as inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), whereby the gums bleed on brushing or flossing.

Periodontitis: This is the final and most severe stage of gum, disease where the infection involves the supporting tissues and bone – gum pockets and loose teeth.

Aggressive Periodontitis: This is an uncommon and fast progressing form of periodontal disease that can lead to the loss of supporting structures quickly.

Can Gum Disease Kill You?

Although there are no life-threatening complications regarded as related to gum, disease as such, there are severe consequences if treated. Some of the potential risks and consequences of gum disease include:

Heart Disease: These finding have revealed that it is possible to establish a relationship between gum disease and heart disease. Untreated gum, diseases can have devastating consequences as the bacteria associated with this disease contribute to heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications.

Diabetes: Some forms of periodontitis have been seen to cause diabetes and ones already diagnosed makes it hard to manage blood sugar levels.

Respiratory Disease: Periodontal bacteria are associated with the worsening of respiratory diseases including pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Cancer: Some studies have also linked gum, disease to some forms of cancer such as pancreatic cancer and lung cancer.

Sepsis: Sepsis: This is a condition whereby body response to infection gets out of control, triggers inflammation almost everywhere, and is lethal in some cases, though rare, gums disease can cause it.

How Gum Disease Can Cause Dangerous Diseases

Gum disease can lead to life-threatening conditions in several ways:

Bacterial Infection: Periodontal bacteria can also spread through the blood stream within the body causing infections and inflammation to different parts of the body.

Inflammation: Gum diseases foster chronic inflammation that can be related to the release of certain pro-inflammatory substances which are likely to contribute to development of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and others.

Systemic Infection: At a very late stage, gum, disease may cause systemic involvement in which the bacteria spreads to other parts of the body.

Prevention and Treatment

Fortunately, gum, disease can be prevented, as well as treated in its early stages. Some of the ways to prevent and treat gum disease include:

Good Oral Hygiene: Proper brushing and flossing will also aid in reducing plaque and hence controlling other gum illnesses.

Regular Dental Checkups: People should therefore take time to visit a dentist for checkup so that gum disease is detected early when one can embark on treatment.

Professional Cleanings: Cleanings can aid in the prevention of gum, disease, as well as to eliminate hardened plaque and tartar.

Antibiotics: Sometimes, to address the infections that worsen gum, diseases, you may be given antibiotics by the dentist.

Surgery: For severe symptoms of periodontitis, particular surgery may be required to fix or remove the affected tissues. You can contact us here.

Conclusion

Periodontitis is a condition that affects the gums, and it is devastating and eventual if not well dealt with. It is not a potentially fatal ailment; however, it does lead to increased instances of heart disease, diabetes, respiratory illness and other problems. In order to prevent gum, disease, and avoid the development of those conditions, you should continue with good oral hygiene practices, visit the dentist regularly and seek professional attention as and when required. Just as it is important to maintain a healthy look in terms of teeth, facial and general body health matters should also be considered.