Can Gum Disease Kill You?

In this article, you will learn about the negative health effects of gum disease as well as how to reverse gum disease.

Can Gum Disease Kill You?

Millions of germs live in your mouth. If you suffer from gum disease (a.k.a. periodontal disease; periodontitis), open wounds in your gums allow the bacteria to enter your bloodstream and circulate throughout your body. Some of the bacteria found in the mouth enter your bloodstream through infected gums and can relocate to other parts of your body, potentially creating disease in organs and systems.

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for the majority of adults in the United States. Losing your teeth, however, is not the only danger of this disease.

When you have gum disease, there is an active infection in your mouth. This infection releases toxins to the entire body through the blood vessels in your mouth, causing various health-related issues.

Negative Health Effects of Periodontal Disease

Recent research indicates a link between gum disease and several other diseases. While the science is not yet definitive, there seems to be an increased risk of developing the following ailments if you have untreated gum disease:

• Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Respiratory Disease (e.g. Pneumonia)
• Cancer
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Mental Health Issues (e.g. Depression, Anxiety)

How To Reverse Periodontal Disease?

The progression of periodontitis can be stopped and even reversed with professional periodontal treatment and excellent gum disease self-care. Periodontal treatment often includes a combination of gum disease surgery (or laser treatment) and regular periodontal cleanings. Whereas gum disease self-care requires diligent brushing and flossing of the teeth. Contact us today to schedule an individualized consultation and learn how Sacramento Periodontics can help you save your teeth and improve your overall health.