Your oral health is directly connected to the health of your overall health. With this being said if you have poor oral health then this can eventually lead to other systemic diseases developing such as diabetes. In addition, the bacteria that develops in your mouth in relation to gum disease can then spread to the rest of your body through your bloodstream which causes you to develop diabetes.
Preventative Measures To Take Against Developing Gum Disease
It’s always better to be proactive about taking preventative measures when it comes to ensuring that you don’t develop gum disease. In the fight against gum disease preventative measures range from brushing and flossing regularly. However, while it’s important to take these preventative measures there are some patients who will be more susceptible to developing gum disease depending on their genetic history. Also, as mentioned earlier gum disease can affect your overall health leading to other systemic diseases such as diabetes. Statistic show that gum disease can make it difficult to control blood sugar
and this has a major impact on a patient who is diabetic and needs to be able to check their blood sugar on a regular basis. Overall gum disease is not an easy battle to fight which is why preventative measures are essential to not developing gum disease. Also, it can help with early detection which is reversible.
How Gum Disease Starts
The initial early stages of gum disease is not painful and this can make it difficult to detect whether or not you are experiencing it. When plaque begins to collect on the teeth and bacteria starts to grow out of control overtime the gums will develop pockets of infection and pull away from your teeth. The worst gum disease danger is the loss of your teeth. This teeth loss is permanent and will eventually affect your jaw. This is because tooth loss causes the bone to deteriorate causing a change in your facial structure.
Risk Factors for Gum Disease
Even if you floss and brush vigilantly it is still possible for you to develop gum disease. As mentioned above gum disease puts you at risk for diabetes and the following additional risk factors listed below:
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Hormonal changes, particularly in girls or women
- Certain medications, over the counter and prescription
- Heredity or genetics
If you fall into one of the above mentioned categories then it’s highly important that you keep up on brushing and flossing, and see a dentist regularly for cleanings that remove plaque from your teeth.
Schedule A Consultation
If you feel you are experiencing symptoms or signs of gum disease then it would be beneficial if you reached out to your local dentist. This would allow you to get an examination and a treatment plan.