Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a condition where bacteria infects the gums, causing inflammation and individual’s mouth. Left untreated, this can lead to a number of oral health consequences including irritation and pain. There have been studies which have suggested that gum disease could have implications for physical health beyond the dental cavity, but just how far can gum disease spread?
The truth is that gum disease can easily spread to other parts of the body when left untreated. The bacteria that grows in an individuals mouth can travel through their bloodstream through inflamed gums and affect other organs in their body including the heart. This means that an individual’s overall health can be impacted due to the effects of gum disease. Research has even linked gum disease with conditions such as diabetes and stroke; indicating that an individual’s oral health may not be just a reflection on one particular area of their body but on their entire well-being.
To avoid gum disease from becoming a major issue, proper oral hygiene habits need to be cultivated and maintained on a daily basis. Brushing twice a day for two minutes each time and flossing at least once per day are necessary steps an individual should take in order to maintain healthy teeth and gums. For those with pre-existing conditions like diabetes, frequent visits with dental professionals who understand the full scope of a person’s dental health history are also important for prevention and keeping gum disease at bay.
While it may seem small at first glance, treating gum disease is essential for overall physical health. Experiencing discomfort or bleeding while brushing or flossing is often early warning signs of gum issues; thus if any major problems arise then seeking professional advice is crucial before it turns into something more infective that could cause long term issues not just limited to our mouths but other parts of our bodies too.
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Is gum disease contagious?
Gum Disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a serious infection of the gums and jawbone that can be caused by a number of factors. It can be extremely damaging to teeth and gums and lead to longer-term health issues if left untreated. Many people are unaware that gum disease is contagious – but it most certainly can be.
The issue lies in the fact that periodontal disease is very often caused by bacteria which is passed on through saliva, dental procedures or direct contact with infected objects such as toothbrushes or flossers. People who have recently been treated for gum disease should take care not to spread any potential infection; they should keep their own instruments clean and dispose of them after use, using disposable gloves and cleaning surfaces with an antiseptic solution throughout treatment. Additionally, friends and family members of people with gum disease should keep any shared items such as toothbrushes clean to prevent further spread of the bacteria.
In order to avoid transmitting gum disease it is important for everyone to practice good oral hygiene. Ensuring that you brush your teeth twice daily and floss regularly will help in preventing bacterial growth already present in the mouth from spreading. Additionally, visiting your dentist for routine check-ups every six months can help detect any issues before they become more serious. Because it is highly infectious in nature, it is crucial to treat any signs or symptoms straight away if they occur; early diagnosis gives patients much better chances at successful treatment.
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Can gum disease lead to other health complications?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common and serious condition that can quickly turn from mild to severe if not taken care of in a timely manner. It results in inflammation, infection and destruction of the gums and tooth-supporting tissues leading to serious oral health issues. However, recent studies have shown that gum disease can have more damaging consequences than just those found in the mouth; it can also lead to an array of other health problems.
One of the problems gum disease causes is an increase in bacteria in the mouth. If left untreated, these bacteria can enter the bloodstream, triggering systemic inflammation and impairing overall health. This has been seen to aggravate conditions like diabetes, respiratory diseases and heart disease as well as put one at risk for stroke and other types of cardiovascular injuries. Studies have even linked gum disease with a higher incidence of rheumatoid arthritis and pregnancy complications.
Further research has found that chronic gum disease appears to speed up or even participants’ chances of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s later on in life due to so much bacteria present in the bloodstream impacting their mental clarity. Lastly, there doesn’t appear to be any arbitrary connection between gum disease and cancer but patients with poor oral hygiene are liable more than anyone toward this fate as well.
It is extremely crucial for people worldwide who suffer from gum disease to take precaution and consult with their dentist about steps needed for treating this potentially harmful condition. With regular visits for checkups, preventive care, good oral hygiene habits that include brushing twice daily and flossing thoroughly at least once each day can keep periodontal issues from becoming more physically damaging either way.
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How is gum disease diagnosed?
Gum disease is a common yet serious condition and can quickly worsen, leading to tooth loss and damage to the jawbone if left untreated. Proper diagnosis of gum disease is essential for timely and correct treatment. Fortunately, diagnosing gum disease is quick, easy and noninvasive.
The first step in diagnosing gum disease is an overall evaluation of your oral health by your dentist or periodontist. During this exam, your dentist will note any signs of the infection such as redness, swelling, bad breath or pus-filled pockets around your teeth where bacterial plaque accumulates. In more advanced cases, deep pockets may form around your teeth that can be measured using a tool called a dental probe. Your dentist will assess the amount of pocket depth and grade it on a scale from 0-4 based on the severity of the infection – this will help them decide how to proceed with diagnosis. In some cases, x-rays may also be used to assess bone loss around the teeth.
If gum disease is suspected, a sample of fluid may be taken from the gums and sent to a lab for testing. This tests looks for bacterial enzymes released during inflammation that indicate an infectious condition in your mouth. This information can help make more accurate decisions regarding your treatment options to ensure you receive proper care in sufficient time. With correct diagnosis and timely treatment, long-term oral health problems associated with gum disease can often be prevented or managed successfully with minimal difficulty or risk to you or your smile!
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What are the treatments available for gum disease?
For many, gum disease can be a major problem. From sore and inflamed gums to receding gums, the issue can cause a lot of discomfort and make for an unpleasant everyday experience. Fortunately, there are some excellent treatments available for gum disease.
The first line of defense against gum disease is typically regular brushing and flossing. This will help reduce the buildup of plaque which is the major cause of gum disease. Additionally, using an antiseptic mouthwash can supplement your oral hygiene routine to reduce the risk of gum related issues.
If necessary, your dentist may also use an ultrasonic dental instrument to deeply clean and remove tartar from deeper pockets located in between the teeth and gums. However, if the disease has advanced far enough surgical treatments such as flap surgery may be necessary in order to reverse any extensive damage that was caused by the gum disease. This involves pulling back gums which have receded due to the infection in order to reduce pocket depths so that gentle brushing or irrigation can take place. In extreme cases even tooth extraction or bone grafting may be necessary in order manage advanced stages of severe periodontal infection.
Fortunately, at early stages gum disease is quite easy to treat via simple lifestyle changes such as ensuring proper oral hygiene routine as well good dieting in order to keep your teeth healthy and free from infections.
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Sources
- https://www.charlesclausendds.com/what-are-the-best-treatments-for-gum-disease/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16620-periodontitis
- https://wellnessmama.com/health/gum-disease/
- https://www.haleonhealthpartner.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/gum-health/diagnosis/
- https://www.bristlehealth.com/post/is-gum-disease-contagious
- https://www.totalcaredental.com/how-is-gum-disease-diagnosed-and-treated/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354473
- https://www.pearlshinedentalclinic.com/is-gum-disease-contagious/
- https://www.hudsonvalleydentalimplants.com/2019/can-gum-disease-spread-to-other-parts-of-the-body/
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