October 13, 2017

Gum disease can take a toll on your oral health. From bleeding gums to bone loss, every stage of the infection will damage your smile. Did you know that gum disease can also affect your overall health? You may find it surprising to learn that your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke can go up, just from the presence of gum disease in Catonsville, MD.

Gum Disease Affects You from Head to Toe

  1. Oral health is the first area damaged by gum disease. It begins with bleeding gums and inflammation. Then it progresses to bad breath, tooth sensitivity, deepening periodontal pockets, gum recession, loose teeth, and bone loss.
  2. Most people think that the damage stops there, but unfortunately, it does not. The bacteria that cause the infection can circulate throughout the body via the bloodstream. They can also be breathed in, infecting the lungs and causing respiratory illnesses.
  3. The chronic inflammation caused by the periodontal infection can also stress and dampen your immune system, leaving you susceptible to other illnesses. In addition to heart disease, stroke, respiratory illness, and diabetes, gum disease has been linked with poor memory, dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain types of cancers.

Preventing Gum Disease Is an Easy Way to Protect Overall Wellness

To keep the bacteria that cause gum disease in check, they must be removed from your teeth with a proper regimen of flossing and brushing. Professional cleanings are essential for removing plaque from hard to reach places. Exams allow your doctor to monitor your periodontal tissue for signs of gum disease in Catonsville, MD, ensuring early detection and treatment.

For more information about the link between oral care and overall health, schedule a consultation with Dr. Mark Moskowitz. We offer the finest quality periodontal care with advanced treatments, including laser gum disease treatment.

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