Proper oral hygiene is your first line of defense against destructive oral infections, and gum disease is an insidious threat that can lead to tooth loss and a wide range of other nasty health problems. However, many people are unaware of how gum disease can potentially cause dangerous secondary infections of the lungs and other parts of the body. Here’s a quick look at how this can happen and how gum disease can be prevented and treated.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease starts as gingivitis, which is mild inflammation of the gum tissue that makes it vulnerable to colonization by harmful bacteria. While gingivitis can usually be reversed with improved oral hygiene habits, it will eventually develop into periodontitis if left untreated. Periodontitis causes permanent damage that must be managed with regular care from a qualified oral health professional, and it can lead to tooth loss, jawbone erosion, gum recession, and possibly dangerous secondary infections.
How Can Gum Disease Cause Secondary Infections?
Gum disease gives harmful bacteria access to the bloodstream and the airway, and both of these are potential vectors through which new infections can develop. People with chronic gum disease are known to be more likely to develop upper respiratory infections like pneumonia, which can be especially dangerous for older patients. If severe periodontitis leads to gangrene, it can lead to a life-threatening infection called sepsis, which is also known as blood poisoning.
How Can Gum Disease Be Addressed?
The best way to address gum disease is to prevent it, and almost all cases can be avoided with proper daily brushing and flossing habits and regular dentist’s visits. While gum disease can usually be reversed with improved oral care if it is caught in its early stages, cases of periodontitis will need to be addressed with professional treatments like scaling and root planing, antibiotic therapy, and laser periodontal treatment. Your dentist will be happy to help you find the best ways to maintain or restore the health of your gums.
Don’t let gum disease wreck your beautiful smile as well as your oral health. Consulting with your dentist will allow you to understand the best ways to keep your mouth healthy as well as how oral infections can be addressed.
About the Practice
Burncoat Family Dental offers the finest oral healthcare in Worcester. Led by Drs. Damerji, Alyassi, and Iren, the staff treats each patient with compassion, respect, and exemplary customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as gum disease treatments. If you are concerned about gum disease, contact the office on the web or dial (508) 852-0168.