Gum disease is actually quite common, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. Although there are other factors that lead to gum disease, the most common cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene. Not brushing or flossing regularly, and not seeing your dentist regularly all lead to gum disease. Other issues, such as pregnancy, tobacco use, and puberty can also lead to gum disease.
No matter the reason for your gum disease, it’s very important that you get it treated right away. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to other more serious issues, such as the following.
Bad Breath
You have probably experienced what it’s like to talk with someone who has bad breath, and you don’t want to be this person. If left untreated, the bacteria in your mouth can cause you to have chronic bad breath, and no amount of mints, sprays, or mouthwash is going to fix the issue. If you want to ensure that your breath is fresh at all times, have your gum disease treated. A thorough cleaning of your teeth and removal of the bacteria will help you be on your way to fresher, more pleasing breath.
Respiratory Disease
It may seem strange to you that your gum disease can have an impact on something other than your mouth, but it’s true. Untreated gum disease can lead to respiratory issues. The bacteria in your mouth can travel down into your lungs, causing you to have respiratory issues, such as trouble breathing, and even cause respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia or COPD. These are serious illnesses and diseases, and they’re something you can easily avoid by taking better care of your mouth and having any gum disease treated right away.
Stroke
Studies have found that people with gum disease are at a higher risk of having a stroke. Untreated periodontitis can have an impact on your health, and this can cause a stroke. Strokes are serious and can be fatal, so be sure to have your gum disease treated in order to prevent a possible stroke.
Heart Disease
Gum disease can have a negative impact on your heart. The bacteria from your mouth can negatively impact your heart once it enters the bloodstream. This bacteria will attach to fat in your arteries and could cause a clot. If you lose this blood flow to your heart, it can cause you to have a heart attack. The plaque can also build up in your arteries, causing them to swell and stop working properly. Heart disease is a serious issue that needs to be treated right away. If left untreated, heart disease can be fatal. Untreated gum disease puts you at a greater risk of developing a heart disease, so be sure to have it treated by a professional right away.
Gum disease is not something to take lightly. Although it is common, it’s very important to have it treated by a professional and to start practicing better oral hygiene. The last thing you need is to develop a serious or fatal disease due to poor oral health.
Article Submitted by Community Writer.