Seeking Gum Disease Treatment in Toronto is Important to More Than Just Your Oral Health

Gum disease is one of those things many people put off in the early stages until it becomes a problem that can no longer be ignored. Early symptoms of gum disease can be easy to overlook – swollen gums, bleeding while brushing, bad breath – are all signs of gingivitis, the earliest stage of gun disease, however many people do not pursue gum disease treatment until the problem progresses into full blown periodontitis. Once bacteria has begun to collect below the gum line, there is very little that can be done at home to prevent its progression, and this wait and see strategy before finally seeking out gum disease treatment in Toronto can have serious negative health consequences.

Gum disease does not only affect the teeth and gums, the bacteria that accumulates in the mouth can quickly spread to other areas of your body and lead to serious medical conditions. The same bacteria that causes inflammation in the gums can travel through the blood stream and have serious consequences for other organs. As bacteria flows through the blood stream, it triggers the body’s natural inflammatory defense mechanism and can lead to the formation of arterial plaque; this arterial plaque can significantly increase the chances of experiencing a cardiovascular event or even endocarditis, an infection of the heart lining.

Bacteria present in the blood stream due to untreated gum disease can also lead to pregnancy complications, or even infertility. Pregnant women are already at increased risk for gum disease due to hormonal changes, so oral health during pregnancy is particularly important. Evidence has shown that poor oral health can lead to premature birth and low birth weights. In some cases, extremely poor oral health can lead to a number of conditions that may make even getting pregnant difficult. A recent study out of Sweden showed that women suffering from periodontal disease took significantly longer to get pregnant than those who had good oral health.

Traveling through the blood stream is not the only way bacteria from gum disease can affect your body. Bacteria in the mouth can also make its way into your lungs through the air you breathe where it can lead to a number of serious medical conditions, including respiratory infections, pneumonia, and bronchitis.

The inflammation of the gums due to gum disease can also lead to, or exacerbate, other inflammatory diseases. Studies have shown that people suffering from untreated gum disease are at increased risk for rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune disease.

If you have, or suspect you may have gum disease, even the earliest stages, seeking out gum disease treatment in Toronto can not only restore your oral health, but can also prevent serious complications.