SURPRISING WAYS GUM DISEASE CAN AFFECT YOUR HEALTH

Most people know that an untreated root canal in Belmont can quickly turn into a life-threatening infection. But did you know that advanced gum disease can also seriously affect your oral and overall health? Gum disease symptoms are often less noticeable than the tooth pain that accompanies a root canal. However, gum disease is possibly even more dangerous than an infected tooth. Keep reading to learn ways that gum disease can affect your overall health, including by damaging cardiovascular health, worsening diabetes symptoms, and increasing cancer risk.

Damages Cardiovascular Health

Gum disease is arguably even more threatening to your health than a tooth that requires root canal treatment because it compromises your cardiovascular health. A dentist has established a definite link between advanced gum disease, or periodontal disease, and heart disease. While dentists are not entirely sure of the exact cause-and-effect relationship, having periodontal disease significantly increases your chances of suffering from a heart attack or stroke.

Worsens Diabetes Symptoms

A dentist regularly cautions patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes that they are also much more likely to develop periodontal disease than healthy patients. Diabetics are more prone to inflammation and more likely to contract infections in general. Periodontal disease and diabetes are so closely intertwined that serious gum disease is considered a complication of diabetes. Additionally, periodontal disease can make it more difficult for a patient with diabetes to control his or her blood sugar. By managing symptoms of both, you can improve your oral and overall health.

Increases Cancer Risk

Finally, periodontal disease increases your risk for developing various kinds of cancer. Individuals who have gum disease are at a higher risk for acquiring kidney cancer, blood cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Periodontal disease also puts you at a higher risk for other systemic diseases, including osteoporosis and respiratory disease. By working with your dentist to treat your periodontal disease, you can significantly decrease your chances of becoming even more seriously ill.