Did you know the health of your gums can affect the health of your entire body? Inflammation from gum disease can find its way to other parts of your body and potentially contribute to the development of other diseases. Here are three ways gum disease has been shown to negatively affect the body:
1. Cancer
Recent research shows an alarming link between the bacterium that causes periodontitis and certain types of cancer. The research reveals that bacteria in the gums can travel to other body parts via the bloodstream and potentially cause certain types of cancer. The link between gum disease and pancreatic cancer seems to be especially strong. While further research is needed, it is clear that receiving gum disease treatment is more important than many people realize – especially for those who have a family history of cancer.
2. Stroke
Stroke is the fifth cause of death in the United States and is a leading cause of disability. A stroke happens when one or more blood vessels carrying nutrients and oxygen to the brain burst or become blocked. While the condition may seem completely unrelated to gum disease, evidence shows a surprising link between the two. In particular, periodontal disease causes increased inflammation in the body, which can increase the affected person’s chances of having a stroke by up to three times, according to some experts.
3. Diabetes
The relationship between periodontitis and diabetes may be the strongest of all known mouth-to-body connections. Inflammation from diseased gum tissue has an uncanny ability to mess with the body’s blood sugar controls. Those who have diabetes already have a difficult time processing sugar correctly because they don’t have enough insulin. Gum disease negatively affects those with diabetes by further impairing the body’s ability to use insulin as it should.
Schedule Your Treatment
Why wait for your periodontal disease symptoms to damage your overall health? To receive gum disease treatment from Drs. Will Akin, Bill Akin and Brian West, call Nashville Periodontal Group to schedule a consultation.