Systemic Effects of Gum Disease

January 31, 2016

Most dental patients recognize the dangers that gingivitis and other gum diseases can bring to their oral health, because public education about issues like tooth decay and gum recession have both been very strong for a number of years. What many patients don’t realize, though, is the systemic effects that long-term infections like gum disease can bring. The ways that these conditions impact your overall health through systemic change can be quite serious, and understanding them is a key part of working with your general dentist in Kennewick, WA to treat any infections that might be found.

Major Systemic Effects

Like other long-term infections, diseases of the gum can cause cardiovascular and pulmonary symptoms. Recent research has shown numerous ways that these conditions interact, meaning you may notice:

• High blood pressure
• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Secondary infection sites (because of bacterial migration through blood)
• Increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Other systemic effects of gum disease can include:

• Diabetes complications, including blood sugar regulation
• Pregnancy complications
• Systemic damage caused by secondary infections

Prevention and Treatment

The best way to avoid these systemic effects is vigilance and early treatment. Most gum conditions can be diagnosed early by looking for signs like bleeding and recession. Discussing these symptoms with a general dentist in Kennewick, WA is the best way to find out where your individual case is and what needs to be done. With a deep cleaning and proper care, it is possible to completely arrest gum symptoms before any more serious complications develop.

Even in cases where recession has progressed to the point where minor surgery is necessary, more serious systemic complications can often be avoided. Whether you are working to treat the systemic effects of long-term gum disease or you’re working to prevent them from setting in, having an experienced general dentist advise and oversee your treatment is a key part of recovery. To make an appointment with Dr. Mohlman today, call (509) 590-0072.

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