You have likely heard about gum disease. Since childhood, your parents and others have highlighted the importance of brushing and flossing to prevent it. Gum disease is a serious threat to your oral health. It might even make you question, “Can gum disease kill you?” It won’t directly cause death.
Gum Disease Complications
Many dentists agree there’s a strong link between oral health and physical health. The mouth isn’t separate from the rest of the body. It’s connected through the bloodstream. That’s why people question, “Can gum disease kill you?” It allows harmful bacteria and inflammation to enter the bloodstream. This potentially affects other parts of the body. Here’s how gum disease can impact your health:
Heart Problems
People with gum disease are at a higher risk of serious heart problems, like heart attacks and strokes, with their risk being two to three times greater. While gum disease alone may not directly cause death, the heart conditions it can trigger could be life-threatening.Inflammation and bacteria from gum disease can contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries. This increases the chances of heart attacks and strokes. That’s why it’s important to treat gum disease early to reduce these risks.
Diabetes
The connection between gum disease and diabetes goes both ways:Gum Disease’s Effect on Diabetes: Inflammation from gum disease can make it harder to manage blood sugar as it increases insulin resistance. This can cause blood sugar levels to spike, making diabetes harder to control.
Diabetes Effect on Gum Disease: Uncontrolled diabetes can make gum disease worse. High blood sugar levels weaken the immune system. This makes it harder for the body to fight infections like gum disease. This worsens gum problems or even cause gum disease to develop.
Respiratory Issues
Breathing in bacteria from infected gums might lead to respiratory infections. This especially affects people with weak immune systems. This highlights the importance of good oral health to prevent wider health problems.
Cancer
There’s no direct evidence linking gum disease to cancer. However, chronic inflammation, which is common with gum disease, has been linked to a higher risk of cancer. This is another reason why maintaining good oral health is so important.
How Long Can You Live with Gum Disease?
You can live a long life with gum disease. However, it is possible if you manage it effectively. A dentist or periodontist can help you in this regard. They perform professional deep cleanings to get rid of the plaque between your gums. Like any ongoing condition, the sooner you get treatment, the better your chances of curing gum disease are.
Can Gum Disease Be Cured?
Gum disease can’t be completely cured. However, it is controllable with proper treatment. Once you lose the support around your teeth, it usually doesn’t fully come back. However, periodontal treatment can help reduce infection and restore some bone and tissue.
Final Word
Gum disease shows some serious symptoms like bleeding gums, loose teeth, and pain. This is especially true in the case of periodontitis. It makes people question, “Can gum disease kill you?” no, but it can make your life complicated.
Visit our board-certified periodontist, Dr. Bader Abdeen, at Cypress Periodontics and Dental Implants. Our doctor has extensive experience in treating every minor to major gum issue to restore your oral health to the fullest. Dial (281) 677 0222 for an appointment.