3 Reasons to Seek Early Treatment for Gum Disease
Gum disease affects millions of people around the globe, and it is common among adults over the age of 30. Sadly, its symptoms can go unnoticed until a patient visits a dentist for an oral examination. In some cases, patients go in when it is already too late, and a dentist is forced to take radical measures to manage the condition. Therefore, patients need to see their dentist as early as possible for the following reasons.
Prevent Alzheimer's Disease
To a layperson, gum disease and Alzheimer's disease have nothing in common because the former attacks the oral cavity while the latter affects the brain. However, it is the reason self-diagnosis is dangerous, particularly regarding your oral health. Notably, untreated gum disease puts patients at risk of Alzheimer's disease regardless of age. It is thought to potentially be caused by the accumulation of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a bacteria found in gum disease, in a patient's brain. If you do not see a dentist soon enough, the bacteria will infiltrate the brain, causing memory loss initially. Over time, a patient's condition gets worse and leads to irreversible complications.
Prevent Diabetes
High oral bacteria levels high sugar levels in the mouth. As the bacteria propagate inside the mouth, they attack the teeth and gums, causing gingivitis. Periodontal disease is another gum condition that increases the blood sugar level in the body, putting patients at risk of Type 2 diabetes. The disease occurs because bacteria leak into the bloodstream and throw the body's immune system into disarray. Thus, the body's defence mechanism increases blood sugar levels to fight off the bacteria, making a person prone to diabetes. Seeing a dentist early enough prevents bacteria from leaking into the bloodstream. Moreover, early intervention by a dentist also prevents chronic conditions that would otherwise make it difficult for the body to fight off gum infections.
Prevent Heart Disease
Chronic inflammation is a critical symptom of gum disease and one of the body's worst enemies since it attacks healthy cells. Inflammations in the mouth can be directly related to swelling of the heart. It is the reason gum disease is associated with heart disease since it can disrupt blood pressure, leading to a heart attack if left untreated for long. However, seeing a dentist during the early stages of gum disease decreases blood pressure in patients, significantly reducing the chances of heart disease.
Reach out to a dentist to schedule an appointment.