The Impact of Gum Disease

While easily prevented, gum disease affects countless adults throughout the country every year. In addition to damaging the health of the smile, this condition can also yield long-term consequences beyond the dentition.

What is Gum Disease?

Also known as periodontal disease, this condition progresses over the course of three distinct phases. During the first stage, hardened plaque known as tartar begins to accumulate along the gum line, causing tissue irritation and bleeding. As the condition progresses, more bacteria and tartar begin to build up, causing the gums to pull away and form pockets in the spaces between the teeth and tissue.

During this second stage, these periodontal pockets begin to trap oral debris, bacteria, and additional tartar. The pockets also provide the disease-causing bacteria with an opportunity to spread below the gum line. Once below the gums, the bacteria begins to eat away at the tissue and bone which support the rest of the smile. In this final phase of gum disease, patients may experience loose teeth, complete tooth loss, and gum recession as well as bone deterioration.

Gum Disease and the Body

While at first glance gum disease seems like an isolated dental problem, the condition can have long-term consequences for the health of the rest of the body. In recent years, studies have suggested that the presence of gum disease bacteria may increase an individual’s likelihood of heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular disease. Many scientists believe that this link is a result of the bacteria entering into the blood stream once below the gum line or as a result of the inflammation caused by the bacteria throughout the various stages.

In addition to increasing the likelihood of cardiovascular disease and stroke, gum disease can also have serious consequences for individuals with existing conditions. For patients with diabetes, periodontal disease can make it more difficult to control blood sugar as the condition actually increases blood sugar, increasing the risk for further diabetic complications. Similarly, pregnant women with gum disease are at a higher risk of experiencing complicated pregnancies and high-risk terms. Like any other infection, gum disease also poses a risk to the unborn baby, potentially leading to premature birth or low-birth weight.

Protect Your Smile Today

While the consequences of gum disease are serious, the condition is easily prevented through the adoption of effective oral hygiene regimens as well as regular professional cleanings. In Omaha, Drs. Brett and Allen Thomsen are committed to providing patients with comprehensive dental solutions to help them achieve and maintain their smiles and prevent the onset of gum disease. To learn more about proactive gum disease prevention and treatment, contact our Omaha dental practice today.