What is Periodontal Disease? Gingivitis is a bacterial infection in the mouth that causes decay in the teeth and gums. This is often referred to as gum disease; if left untreated, it will eventually turn into periodontal disease. Among the mouth's most serious dental health problems is periodontal disease, or periodontitis. Once periodontitis is diagnosed, you cannot reverse it. As a result of the damage to the gums, there is now only one thing you can do to prevent it from worsening: regular maintenance. Depending on the extent of tooth loss, this could range from partial to complete. Nevertheless, periodontal disease affects not just dental health but the entire body. An inflammatory build-up in the gums is a hallmark of gum disease. Inflammation can cause swelling, bleeding, and redness around infected areas. The following symptoms are a great indication of gum disease: A darker shade of red than the usual light pink Gum lines appear puffy, pulling away from teeth The teeth are becoming extremely loose and may even fall out Eventually, this inflammation will cause problems in other areas of the body if it persists and worsens. Other problems as a result of inflammation Periodontal Disease & General Health Concerns When periodontal disease worsens, the following health problems are most likely to occur: Having diabetes Inflammatory Cardiovascular Disease Reduced resistance to other infections Diabetes & Periodontal Disease Combined, diabetes and periodontal disease have a devastating impact on the body. For example, people with diabetes are more likely to develop periodontitis. In addition, diabetes can cause inflammation in other parts of the body, such as the gums. Due to periodontitis inflammation, people with diabetes have more difficulty controlling their glycemic levels. Your periodontist may be able to perform an HbA1c test to diagnose type 2 diabetes if you are at risk. Cardiovascular Health & Periodontal Disease Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection in the gums that was not treated adequately in its earlier stages. A lack of proper maintenance can lead to this infection entering the blood and spreading throughout the body. The heart is one of the most commonly seen areas. Heart attacks, strokes, and other severe conditions can result from this inflammatory build-up in the heart. While periodontal disease does not directly cause heart disease, it can cause symptoms and issues to worsen. Resistance to fighting off Infection & Periodontal Disease Upon entering your body, your immune system attacks and kills bacteria. As soon as your immune system detects inflammation caused by bacteria, it takes action. As a result of excessive bacteria in the mouth, gingivitis and periodontitis can develop. These inflammatory bacteria, which are your body's enemies, constantly disrupt your immune system. Inflammation and infection in other parts of the body are not dealt with when the immune system focuses on the mouth. Due to this subversion, the immune system becomes incapable of destroying invading bacteria elsewhere in the body, resulting in further inflammation.
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