A bright, white smile is often linked to good oral health. But the health of our gums, which we do not pay much attention to, is very important to our general health. 

A common tooth problem called gum disease can have serious effects on many parts of our bodies. For the best oral health, it is important to see a dentist in El Dorado Hills, CA, for annual check-ups. 

Understand gum disease – what exactly is it? 

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an inflammatory disease that affects the gums and the bone that holds the teeth in place. To get it, plaque, a film of germs that sticks to the teeth, builds up. Plaque can turn into tartar if you do not brush and floss your teeth regularly. Tartar can only be removed by a dentist. 

In its early stages, gum disease shows up as gingivitis, which makes the gums swollen, red, and bleeding. Gingivitis can turn into periodontitis if it is not addressed. Periodontitis is a more serious form of gum disease that kills gum tissue and bone. 

The connection between systemic health and gum disease. 

It may seem like gum disease is only a problem in the mouth, but it is actually linked to a number of health problems that affect the whole body. The link is the long-lasting swelling that comes from gum disease. This swelling can spread to different parts of the body and impact different processes and organs. 

Cardiovascular disease. 

A strong link has been found between gum disease and heart disease in many studies. When you have gum disease, germs, and inflammatory chemicals can get into your system and help plaque build up in your arteries. This makes you more likely to have a heart attack or stroke. 

1. Diabetes. 

Gum disease is more likely to happen to people who have diabetes and vice versa. If your blood sugar is too high, it can weaken your immune system, making it harder to fight off infections. Gum disease can also make it harder to manage and control blood sugar, which makes the situation even worse. 

 Respiratory diseases. 

It is possible to breathe in bacteria from gum diseases, which raises the risk of getting lung illnesses like pneumonia. 

Complications during pregnancy. 

Poor oral health has been linked to early birth and low birth weight. Inflammatory chemicals can be released when you have gum disease, which can affect the placenta and cause you to go into labor early. 

Other health issues. 

More recent studies show that gum disease might be linked to other health issues as well, like Alzheimer’s, some types of cancer, and osteoporosis. Still, more research is needed to understand these links fully. 

Prevention and treatment of gum disease. 

Even though gum disease can be very bad, it is mostly avoidable. To keep your gums healthy, here are some tips:

• Good oral hygiene: This means that you should floss every day and brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Checkups with the dentist: You should see your dentist regularly for checkups and skilled cleanings.
• Healthy eating: Fill up on fruits, veggies, and whole foods to keep your body healthy.
• Limit your intake of sugary drinks: Too much sugar can build up plaque.
• Stop smoking: It makes your immune system weaker and can make gum disease worse.

If you have signs of gum disease, like bleeding gums, bad breath that will not go away, or missing teeth, you should see a dentist right away. Early detection and treatment can help stop the disease from getting worse and lower the chance of other health problems that can come with it.

We can protect our general health by taking steps to understand the connection between gum disease and other parts of our body. Good gum health is an important part of having a healthy body.