Gum disease is no joke. When the bacteria that cause your teeth to form cavities get into your gums, it can seriously damage your oral health and spread beyond. Gum disease has been linked with several other health conditions that affect your body, not just your mouth.
If you want to learn more about gum disease and the effects it can have on your body, continue reading. You’ll be surprised by these six facts about gum disease.
1. It Affects Nearly Half of the Adult Population in the U.S.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 46 percent of the adult population suffers from some form of gum disease. This is a huge number, especially for how little conversations about oral health typically incorporate the gums.
The focus of most advertising is usually on teeth, but your gums are also partially responsible for your overall oral health.
2. It’s Contagious
Gum disease can be spread through oral contact with saliva. Kissing, sharing drinks, and “double-dipping” at parties all carry a risk of passing the disease to others. While the main cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene, there is still a definite risk of contracting it this way.
3. It’s Been Linked to Heart Disease
Though the exact way these two diseases are linked is yet to be determined, the correlation between gum disease and heart disease remains consistent through multiple studies.
Scientists speculate that bacteria from gum disease could be a contributing factor. The leading theory is that it travels through the blood vessels in your mouth to your heart and causes micro-clots that build up over time.
4. It Causes Bad Breath
Most people think that bad breath is caused by smelly foods like garlic, onions, and coffee. While these can certainly contribute to halitosis, gum disease is majorly to blame. As bacterial plaque feeds on food particles, it releases byproducts called volatile sulfur compounds. This is the true cause of lingering bad breath.
5. It Causes Tooth Loss
As gum disease progresses through your mouth and works its way deeper into your gums, it begins to weaken the tissues. This includes the periodontal ligament, a special membrane that each of your teeth relies on to hold it in place.
Once this ligament is loosened, your affected tooth will become wiggly, eventually falling out once it no longer has enough stability.
6. It’s Preventable
While gum disease has no cure, it can be treated with professional care. However, it is best to avoid contracting it in the first place. A regular oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing twice per day is recommended for keeping gum disease at bay.
If you suspect you may have gum disease due to red, puffy, or bleeding gums, don’t wait. Reach out to your dentist for treatment as soon as possible.
About the Author
Dr. J.D. Robison is at his best when he’s interacting with his patients and helping them lead better lives through dentistry. After extensive study at several schools including Purdue University, the University of Michigan, and the University of Detroit Mercy, he continued his education with advanced courses from the prestigious Dawson Academy and completed hundreds of hours of other curriculums. To schedule an appointment for gum disease treatment at Robison Dental Group, call (734) 453-6320 or visit the website to explore other services.