Unexpected Ways Gum Disease Impacts Your Health

When it comes to periodontal gum disease, we’ve all heard about it, unfortunately for many patients they don’t quite understand the impact it can have not only on your smile but your overall health. Today, Urbach Pediatric Dentistry is discussing periodontal gum disease and the unexpected ways it can impact your overall health. We hope that you learn something new and properly take care of your gums going forward.

Cardiovascular Disease

Did you know that same bacteria that cause gum inflammation can actually enter the bloodstream and affect other parts of your body? Plaque can actually build up in the arteries and harden, leading to restricted blood flow, creating blockages, and increases your risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attack.

Kidney Disease

Along with spreading into the bloodstream, bacteria from the mouth can also spread to the kidneys. As kidneys are exposed to the bacteria it can actually cause the kidneys to stop functioning properly, ultimately leading to kidney failure.

Respiratory Infections

Bacteria in the mouth can also travel in other ways than your bloodstream, inhaling can actually send bacteria from the mouth straight to your lungs, actually resulting in respiratory infections.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Those that suffer from periodontal gum disease are also about 4 times more likely to suffer from rheumatoid arthritis due to the bacteria causing inflammation throughout the body. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect the joints, heart, blood vessels, and several other bodily systems.

Dementia & Alzheimer’s Disease

When you suffer from periodontal gum disease, your mouth actually releases substances which can kill cells in the brain. As brain cells continue to die, many patients suffer from memory loss and can even develop Alzheimer’s disease.

Visit Our Pediatric Dentist in Houston, TX Today

Want to make sure your child is protected from periodontal gum disease? Interested in dental sealants near you? Schedule their appointment with our pediatric dentist in 77098, we are always pleased to see new smiles at our practice and would be happy to get your child on our schedule for a routine appointment. We look forward to protecting your child’s smile.