You may think that gum disease just creates problems for your oral health, but gum disease can really do a number on your entire body.
There is an estimated 60 million Americans who suffer from gum disease, but we are only just starting to learn more and more about its adverse side effects.
Gum disease can affect more than just your gums.
Adverse Pregnancy Effects
Pregnant women who have gum disease can be seven times more likely to give birth to a baby too early. They also run the risk of giving birth to a baby who is too small. Some women believe that they should put off any sort of dentistry work until after the baby is delivered, but researchers have found that women who receive periodontal treatment have a reduction in the number of preterm births.
Pneumonia
With summer slowly slipping away, Maryland residents will soon have to prepare themselves for the cooling weather of the fall and frigid temperatures of winter. Pneumonia is best known to form in the colder months, but periodontal infections can lodge themselves in your lungs at any moment. Research has shown that regular tooth and gum cleanings can actually help prevent pneumonia from forming, which is especially important for older individuals to keep in mind.
Heart Disease
Infections can cause a high concentration of pathogens in your blood if you suffer from gum disease. These pathogens put you at greater risk for heart disease, and research even connects the possibility that you can suffer from strokes and other heart conditions if you have gum disease.
Diabetes
While gum diseases aren’t a cause of diabetes, people with diabetes are more likely to have infections and suffer from gum disease. Individuals with diabetes may need to see a dentist more than others for the dentist to track the severity of the gum disease.
Preventing Gum Disease
There are risk factors for gum disease such as smoking, family history and poor hygiene habits, but your dentist can help you keep an eye on your oral health. Your dentist will also be able to help you identify practices that can prevent gum disease.
Don’t forget to see our blog for tips on how to prevent gum disease.
Call Olney Dental at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online for an appointment. And don’t forget to visit Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, and YouTube to connect with us on social media.