The Health Impact of Gum Disease

Model Of Teeth and Gums

Did you know that having periodontal (gum) disease could significantly impact your overall health?

Gum disease isn’t something that’s isolated to your mouth. We know from extensive research that the bacteria in those diseased tissues can spread directly into your bloodstream. In turn, your immune system is triggered and there’s an increased inflammatory response throughout your body. Bacteria can even become lodged directly within your blood vessels.

Untreated gum disease is directly tied to an increased severity or occurrence in:

  • Diabetes — Having gum disease will throw off your blood glucose levels, making it difficult to get your diabetes under control. The two conditions should be treated together to see an improvement in either.
  • Heart disease and stroke — Increased inflammation will raise your blood pressure, while bacteria also become wedged within arterial walls or your heart. People with gum disease are at a much higher risk of having a heart attack. Bleeding, detached gums allow bacteria to spread directly from your mouth to the rest of the body.
  • Infertility and reproductive problems — Both men and women can experience unwanted reproductive health problems if their gum infection is severe. Women are more prone to preeclampsia and stillbirth, while men are at a higher risk of experiencing erectile dysfunction. Jointly, couples where one partner has gum disease tend to take longer to conceive than couples who both have healthy mouths.
  • Pneumonia — Oral infections increase the chances of developing respiratory diseases and pneumonia. It’s likely because the bacteria can simply be inhaled directly into the lungs.

Do you have swollen, red, or bleeding gums? Request an exam at Dunwoody Family & Cosmetic Dentistry to rule out periodontal disease.

Posted on Behalf of Dunwoody Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

1816 Independence Square, Suite B,
Dunwoody, GA 30338

Tel: (770) 399-9199

Mon - Thr 7:00am - 4:00pm
Friday Open until 1pm
(on the Fridays we are open)

Our Patient Reviews

Dunwoody Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
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Based on 126 reviews

Janice Overbeck

Angela is an incredible dentist and is on top of all of the latest and best technology. She is very honest and I love everyone at her practice. They are all great!

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I have been seeing Leslie and Dr. Bruce for about 20 years! Love their personalities and service. I highly recommend them!

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Highly professional and efficient service, stem to stern. Also the account manager makes it fun to pay my bill!!

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Dr. Ojibway and her team have helped me get my smile back. The office is beautiful and the environment is relaxing and very friendly.

Address

1816 Independence Square, Suite B,
Dunwoody, GA 30338

Contact

Tel: (770) 399-9199
Email: dfcd@ident.com

Practice Hours

Mon - Thr 7:00am - 4:00pm
Friday Open until 1pm
(on the Fridays we are open)