Good oral hygiene isn’t very exciting. In fact, many people dismiss the importance of brushing and flossing daily. It’s just another chore to do before you can collapse into bed or before you can get your caffeine boost in the morning. However, the periodontal disease effects on the body can negatively impact not only your oral health but your physical health.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is inflammation of your gums. The term can encompass the beginning stage of gingivitis or any stage up to that of advanced periodontitis, which is tooth loss and structural damage to your face. It starts as gingivitis, which is evidenced by:
- Inflamed or swollen gums
- Bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- Tender gums
- Discolored gums
What Causes Periodontal Disease?
After you eat or drink, particularly foods and beverages that are high in sugar and carbohydrates, a sticky film called plaque remains on your teeth unless removed by brushing and flossing. The plaque attaches to the bacteria in your mouth and causes tartar and decay to form. This causes inflamed gums, and periodontal disease begins.
What Are The Periodontal Disease Effects On The Body?
When gingivitis isn’t cured early, it becomes early periodontitis. At this stage, the entire periodontal structure will begin to erode. The tissues and ligaments that secure your teeth in place may begin to break down, and you may lose some or all of your teeth. When this happens, your jawbone may begin to deteriorate, and you may notice a difference in your facial structure. You may be unable to eat all of your favorite foods due to tooth loss, and you may develop significant cavities in any remaining teeth.
Left untreated, the disease will progress to moderate periodontitis and then advanced periodontitis. At this point, particularly if you have a family history of poor periodontal health, your jawbone will continue to deteriorate, and you’ll lose more teeth. You’ll have chronic inflammation, and you may find that you heal more slowly. This is due to the levels of bacteria and inflammation that permeate your entire body.
How Does My Oral Health Adversely Affect My Physical Health?
The mouth tissues are very permeable and infused with blood vessels that travel throughout the body. When you have an infection in your mouth, the inflammation and bacteria travel through your bloodstream to your heart, your lungs, your brain, and your bones. It has been linked to stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, coronary artery disease, and respiratory ailments. Those with HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and other immunosuppressive disorders may be more severely impacted.
How Do I Avoid Periodontal Disease?
The best method for preventing gingivitis is a program of good oral hygiene that includes at least annual dental checkups. Brush and floss at least twice daily, preferably after each meal or snack. If you live in the Ogden, Utah area, North View Dental provides convenient service in a comfortable and professional setting that’s convenient, friendly, and affordable. To schedule an appointment, call 801-782-6681.
