Gum Disease – Questions and Concerns

Periodontal disease is much more than a problem of oral health. While the person who has periodontal disease may experience bad breath, bleeding gums, and pain or sensitivity, gum disease dangers include more serious issues than these minor problems.

Periodontal disease can contribute to, or worsen, a number of very serious medical conditions. It can cause complications during pregnancy, worsen heart disease and diabetes, contribute to stroke, and even precipitate arthritis. All of these problems can be connected to gum disease when the bacteria has been allowed to spread within the body.

Gum disease means that there is bacteria in your gums and mouth. When it is left untreated, it can spread throughout your entire system. This in turn places your body in danger of developing medical conditions. In many cases these conditions would not have occurred if the person had not first developed periodontal disease.

The infection which can result from gum disease can pose additional dangers when a person has surgery. The risk of complications is increased when the bacteria from gum disease is already present in the patient’s system.

Gum disease can cause a person to lose his teeth. First, the gums themselves become weaker, and are no longer able to properly support the teeth. In addition, the bacteria which is present affects the health of the supporting bones. Regardless of the condition of the teeth themselves, this weakening support will lead to tooth loss.

Gum disease dangers affect more than the teeth and gums. It can put your health and even your life at risk. As preventing gum disease is usually quite simple through consistent, good oral hygiene, taking proper care of your teeth and gums as a part of your everyday lifestyle is one of the easiest and most important steps you can take toward a lifetime of overall good health. Contact a Montreal dentist for further information about treatment of gum disease.