Advanced gum disease is harmful to your overall health. If your gums are inflamed with plaque, chances are other areas of your body also have inflammation. Gums are full of blood vessels that transport harmful bacteria via the bloodstream throughout the body. Bacteria that enter the bloodstream contribute to a host of physical conditions that put your health at risk.
Gum Disease Contributes to Many Systemic Illnesses
When your body is fighting a chronic infection, such as gum disease, it triggers an immune response of inflammation. Inflammation is known to exasperate numerous ailments including:
- Diabetes
- Crohn’s Disease
- Arthritis
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Asthma
Gum Disease is a Risk Factor of Cardiovascular Disease
Inflammation also has severe consequences for your cardiovascular health. People with gum disease are twice as likely to suffer a stroke. When arteries in the heart become inflamed, they constrict and harden, which impedes the flow of blood and causes plaque to build up on arterial walls. Eventually, a blockage in the artery may result, which can cause the formation of a dangerous blood clot.
If left undetected, the blood clot can eventually cause a heart attack or travel to the brain and cause a stroke.
Oral Health Habits Keep Your Smile Bright and Your Body Healthy
A daily regimen of brushing and flossing and routine visits to your dentist can keep your oral health in optimal condition. When you consistently remove bacteria from your oral structure, you prevent your gums from becoming infected and bacteria from triggering inflammation throughout your body.
We Help Maintain Your Oral Health
Your toothbrush and dental floss are valuable weapons, defending your oral and overall health against dangerous pathogens. Your other defense is good professional oral health care. The dental office of King of Prussia Periodontics & Dental Implants provides the preventive oral health care you need to keep your smile bright, and your gums and body healthy. Call today!