Gum disease can have a major impact on a person’s oral health, and it can also have a lasting effect on their overall health if it is allowed to progress to more advanced stages. Also, thanks to advancements in laser dentistry laser gum surgery has emerged as one of the leading techniques to treat gum disease. Additionally, if gum disease is not treated early on and advances there are 7 risks for your overall health.
These risks include:
- Stroke
- Heart Disease
- Diabetes
- Erectile dysfunction
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Respiratory infections
- Pre-term low birth weight
Understanding the Links Between Gum Disease and Health Risks
When you develop gum disease this involves bacteria seeping into your gums and your gums becoming inflamed due to an infection. Most often the infection starts out as being very mild and in this case, it would also be easily treatable. However, if it is not treated and the bacteria is allowed to spread this could lead to other parts of your body being affected. This is because the bacteria will, due to your inflammation, makes its way into your bloodstream and cause your arteries to thicken leading to heart disease. Also, gum disease can make it more difficult to control your blood sugar making it hard for patients who have diabetes. In the long run it’s better to treat gum disease early to avoid developing other health risks.
Schedule Your Consultation
Contact our periodontist office in Fairfax, VA to schedule your consultation with Dr Withers to learn more about gum disease and how it can be treated. Dr Withers is available to examine you and provide you with treatment if needed.
