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Gum diseases are often ignored since most patients do not experience pain in their initial stages. However, if gum diseases are not treated at the right time, they can lead to several adverse effects that are not just limited to the mouth but also affect your overall health. 

In this blog, Dr. Ed Bishay at Grace Dental located in Sugar Land, Texas, explains the risks associated with gum disease.

Stages of Gum Disease

Gum diseases begin as mild to moderate inflammation and gradually develop into an advanced form of the disease known as periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss. 

If treated at its mild to moderate stages, gum disease can be reversed. 

Risk Factors 

Poor oral hygiene is the main factor that contributes to gum disease. Food debris turns into plaque that gets mineralized and develops into tartar. Once tartar is formed, only a professional cleaning can help you get rid of it.

Smoking, diabetes, immunocompromised conditions, osteoporosis, and antihypertensive, immunosuppressant medications are some of the other reasons for the development of gum disease.

Adolescents and pregnant women are also more prone to gum diseases due to increased hormonal secretion.

Signs and Symptoms 

Changes in the color, contour, consistency, surface, and position of the gums are important signs observed by dentists. Apart from that, other symptoms of gum disease include:

• Bleeding Gums

Bleeding while brushing, biting, and chewing is the most common symptom reported by patients. 

• Receding Gums

The gums detach from the teeth and migrate, leading to the exposure of the roots that causes tooth sensitivity. 

• Tooth Mobility

The inflammation of the gums spreads to the periodontal fibers that attach the teeth to the bone, leading to loose teeth.

• Tooth Loss

If the above-mentioned symptoms are left untreated, the condition progresses to tooth loss and bone loss.

Gum Diseases and Overall Health

Gum diseases are also liked to the following general health conditions:

• Cardiovascular Disorders 

Blood vessels are directly affected by the bacteria in the gums or indirectly by inflammatory mediators like cytokines, resulting in heart attack and stroke. 

• Respiratory Disorders

The release of toxins from periodontal microbes activates white blood cells that destroy connective tissues leading to emphysema and COPD.

• Diabetes

Diabetes and periodontitis are closely interconnected. Uncontrolled diabetes promotes bacterial growth in the gums and untreated gum disease hikes blood glucose levels.

Schedule an appointment at Grace Dental located at 5022 US-90 ALT suite c, Sugar Land, TX 77498, or call (281) 340-1333 for more information on the risks associated with gum disease.