It’s easy to think of oral health and overall physical health as two separate things, but they’re more connected than you might imagine. Recent research and scientific studies reveal a surprising connection between poor oral health (specifically, gum disease) and seemingly unrelated diseases in other parts of the body. Fortunately, once you understand this connection, you can take steps to improve your physical health by first receiving the treatment you need for your periodontal disease symptoms.
How Oral Disease Affects Your Body
Oral diseases like periodontal disease do so much more than slowly destroy gum tissue. The same bacteria that causes your gums to bleed and become inflamed can spread to other parts of your body through your bloodstream. Once the bacteria spread and cause inflammation in other areas of the body, you have a greater risk of the following problems:
- Heart attack
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Heart disease
- Dementia
- Premature birth
- Diabetes
Scientists do not fully understand the mechanisms behind the link between these problems and gum disease, but they do know there is a correlation. Gum disease can also cause a general feeling of fatigue as the body tries to fight off bacteria in the gum tissue. If you have any symptoms of diseased gum tissue, including bleeding gums and chronic halitosis (bad breath), talk to your dentist right away. Once you’re diagnosed, you can receive treatment before your condition worsens and causes further damage to both your oral and overall health.
Schedule Your Appointment
No one should have to deal with the negative oral and physical symptoms caused by untreated gum disease. If you’re ready to improve your health by receiving periodontal treatments from a respected dentist in your area, we’d love to help. You can schedule a periodontal disease treatment consultation by contacting our practice in Clearwater, FL today!
