Your Gum Health Says a Lot About Your Overall Health
Posted on 11/22/2021 by Hilton Israelson, DDS
Taking good care of your gums will improve not only your oral health but also your overall health. This is because gums play an important role in your general well-being. If you don't take good care of your gums, you will develop gum disease. This is a serious oral condition that could lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Gum disease is also linked with other serious medical conditions that could be deadly. Some of the conditions include diabetes and heart diseases.
Gum Disease and Diabetes
There is a serious and strong connection between gum disease and diabetes. Gum disease occurs when gums pull away or recede from teeth and form small pockets. These pockets are dangerous because parts of food particles get trapped in when and bacteria feed on them. The bacteria end up producing toxins that cause inflammation. Without early treatment, the tissues and bones supporting the teeth will start breaking down. This condition also leads to excessive sugar levels in your bloodstream, making it difficult for people with diabetes. Therefore, it is important that you take good care of your gums to prevent these infections.
Gum Disease and the Heart
There are several ways that gum disease worsens the signs of heart disease. According to research, the connection between these two conditions is related to inflammatory products such as CRP, a protein found in blood plasma. In patients suffering from gum disease, the amount of CRP is higher in their bloodstream. Its level often rises in response to increased inflammation in the body. The condition worsens, especially when gum disease advances. Therefore, it is important to take good care of your gums to prevent gum infections. Visit our offices for more information on the importance of gum health.