5 Chronic Conditions Associated with Untreated Gum Disease

Ignoring gum disease doesn’t just affect your mouth — it can impact your entire body. If left untreated, gum disease increases your risk of chronic conditions. 

Below, Dr. David Blaustein shares five chronic conditions associated with untreated gum disease and how the Chelsea Dental Aesthetics team in New York City can help you manage gum disease.

1. Heart disease

When you think about heart disease risk factors, you might think about sedentary lifestyles or poor dietary choices. Those are indeed risk factors, but gum health may also play a part. 

Bacteria from gum infections can enter your bloodstream, which then leads to inflammation that raises your risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. 

The risk isn’t negligible. Gum disease can triple your chances of a heart attack or stroke.

2. Diabetes

Inflammation from gum infections can increase insulin resistance markers and contribute to dangerous spikes in blood sugar levels. In other words, untreated gum disease may make it harder for you to control your blood sugar.

3. Respiratory disease

Bacteria from infected gums don’t stay in your mouth — they can travel to your lungs. That increases your risk of respiratory infections like pneumonia and can worsen chronic lung conditions. (Bacteria from dentures can also reach the lungs and exacerbate lung issues.)

4. Rheumatoid arthritis

Chronic inflammation from gum disease can trigger autoimmune responses and worsen conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. The bacteria responsible for gum disease can also trigger the inflammation responsible for rheumatoid arthritis.

If you already have joint pain and stiffness, untreated gum disease could make it worse.

5. Alzheimer’s disease

Research suggests a link between gum disease and cognitive decline. The bacteria associated with gum infections have been found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Specifically, one of the primary causes of Alzheimer’s disease may be a response to gum infections.

Protect your overall health by protecting your oral health

Many factors contribute to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and mental decline, but don’t brush off oral health. Taking care of your mouth can do wonders for your oral and physical health. 

To reduce your risk of gum disease:

• Brush your teeth twice a day 
• Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to clean along your gum lines
• Floss daily 
• Use a water flosser 
• Eat vitamin C-rich foods (which are good for your gums)
• Schedule regular dental exams and cleanings

If you do spot the signs of gum disease, don’t wait to see Dr. Blaustein. Nonsurgical periodontal therapy (root scaling and planing) can remove tartar and plaque from below your gum line and eliminate harmful bacteria. 

You may need antibiotics to clear infections, and Dr. Blaustein may recommend special mouthwash to protect your gums. 

Periodontal therapy also reduces the risk of issues like loose teeth and jawbone atrophy.

If you’re concerned about gum disease, visit us here in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. You can call us at 917-200-0219 or request an appointment online today.