can gum disease kill you | Risks, Symptoms & Prevention

can gum disease kill you. in brief gum disease itself won’t directly cause death, research increasingly shows it may increase risks of other conditions that can be life-threatening. The developing scientific consensus points to strong associations between severe periodontitis and higher mortality rates from systemic diseases.

Advanced gum disease creates persistent inflammation throughout the body as bacteria and toxins enter the bloodstream through infected gums. This longer-term inflammation has been linked to worsening cardiovascular problems like heart attacks and strokes. Gum bacteria also interacts with genes related to inflammation and coagulation, setting the stage for potentially deadly clots.

Large population studies further suggest periodontitis is an independent risk factor for pulmonary diseases like pneumonia and respiratory failure, both leading causes of death. This may occur as gum microbes are aspirated into the lungs. Diabetes management and outcomes also appear affected, and diabetes greatly increases risks of fatal complications.

While not conclusively proven, the current weight of evidence indicates that leaving gum disease untreated may carry not just oral but wider health consequences that could potentially endanger longevity by exacerbating risks for lethal systemic illnesses. Proper prevention and management of periodontitis is prudent for total health and well-being.

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can gum disease kill you

The question of whether can gum disease kill you is an important one. While gum disease itself will not directly cause death, research is finding troubling links between severe gum disease and higher risks of fatal illnesses.

Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, causes inflammation in the gums and tissues around the teeth. Bacteria and toxins from infected gums can enter the bloodstream. This leads to higher inflammation levels throughout the body over time.

Studies are finding this long-term inflammation may negatively impact health in serious ways. People with severe gum disease seem to be more likely to die from heart attacks, strokes and respiratory diseases compared to those without gum problems.

Theories suggest gum bacteria and inflammation could worsen existing heart and lung conditions. Gum disease has also been tied to poorer diabetes control, and diabetes greatly increases risks of life-threatening complications.

While gum disease itself isn’t lethal, it could end up worsening other medical issues that do pose mortality risks if left uncontrolled. Large population analyses consistently find people with periodontitis face approximately 20-25% higher chances of passing away from any cause overall.

While more research is still needed, it’s clear gum disease should not be taken lightly, as untreated cases may carry risks beyond just tooth loss. Proper gum care and treatment aims to reduce harmful inflammation and prevent periodontitis from potentially endangering one’s life through other health impacts over the long term.

How do you treat Stage 4 gum disease?

Here are the typical treatments for stage 4 gum disease (advanced periodontitis):

  • Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) . The dental professional thoroughly scrubs below the gumline and on root surfaces to remove hardened tartar and plaque that irritates tissues. This may require multiple appointments.
  • Antibiotics . For severe cases, oral antibiotics may be prescribed to help eliminate bacteria under and around gums. Antibiotics come as gel, rinses or pills depending on the individual case.
  • Periodontal surgery . Deep gum pockets of 6mm or more may need to be accessed and cleaned surgically by removing infected gum tissue. 
  • Tooth extractions . Teeth may need extracting if supporting bone is lost to gum infection so they don’t later fracture or need root canals from advanced decay under the gumline.
  • Changes to oral hygiene . Dentists provide specialized cleaning instructions at home involving special brushes and floss to thoroughly reach infected areas.
  • Maintenance . Even after initial treatment, supportive deep cleanings every 3-4 months are generally needed long-term to manage bone levels with severe disease.

The goal is to eliminate infection sites, promote tissue healing and prevent further destruction to maintain oral function and systemic health. Multiple treatments are usually required to fully address advanced stage 4 gum disease.

The Hidden Threat of Gum Disease

For many people, gum disease is an minor issue noticed only during dental cleanings. But new research reveals it gum disease can kill you. Let’s examine this hidden threat in detail.

More Than a Mouth Problem

While noticeable as red, swollen gums, periodontitis also causes non-visible changes. Bacteria enter the bloodstream, spreading inflammation silently throughout the body. Emerging evidence links advanced gum disease to severity of diseases like heart disease and diabetes which account for substantial mortality globally each year. This illustrates how periodontitis impacts general health far beyond teeth and gums.

The Inflammation Connection

Chronic inflammation underlies many major illnesses killing millions. Gum-borne bacteria provoke constant low-grade inflammation even in those without overt symptoms. Over decades, such systemic inflammation may influence processes like plaque buildup in arteries. It also impairs metabolic response, both potentially worsening cardiovascular and diabetes outcomes long-term. Managing periodontal inflammation thus becomes a general health issue.

The Cardiovascular Risk

Numerous long-term cohort studies found 20-30% higher chances of fatal or non-fatal heart attacks and strokes in those with periodontitis compared to periodontally healthy individuals with similar risk factors. Bacteria from infected gums and their virulence factors can infiltrate plaques, theoretically assisting arterial blockages. Inflammation further promotes clotting. This places periodontitis on par with known heart disease risks like smoking and obesity according to current scientific consensus.

Impact on Diabetes

With diabetes prevalence rising sharply, its association with gum disease looms large. Periodontitis aggravates blood glucose fluctuations, impairing management of a already systemic pro-inflammatory condition. But diabetes also increases susceptibility to gum infections, risking a detrimental vicious cycle. Better controlling oral microbes offers potential benefits for diabetes outcomes and cost savings healthcare systems globally.

Osteoporosis Link

Mounting evidence suggests periodontal bone loss parallels losses from osteoporosis in the jaw and skeleton independently. Shared inflammatory pathways and destruction of alveolar bone by periodontitis may contribute to overall skeletal fragility, raising osteoporotic fracture risks at weight-bearing sites. Potentially, managing gum infection could offset some osteoporosis consequences, warranting examination.

Prevention and Management

The best way to deal with gum disease is by preventing it from occurring or worsening in the first place through proper oral hygiene. Brush teeth at least twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Spend at least two minutes brushing, with gentle circular motions along the gumline.

Flossing once a day is also crucial, as it removes plaque from between teeth and below the gumline that brush bristles cannot reach. Electric water flossers are a good alternative for those with limited dexterity.

Besides brushing and flossing, avoid risk factors like smoking which reduces blood flow to gums. Control existing medical conditions that influence oral health like diabetes. Limit sugary snack intake between meals when possible.

Schedule routine professional cleanings and exams every 6 months to catch developing issues early. Tartar removal and root planing below the gumline is key to resolving gum infections.

To manage mild inflammation, try natural anti-inflammatory treatments. Apply diluted manuka honey, aloe vera, turmeric or clove oil directly to gums. Consume probiotic-rich foods or botanical supplements to balance oral microflora.

With consistent homecare and professional maintenance cleanings, most cases of gum disease can be controlled or even reversed. But seeing a dentist is important for accurate diagnosis and advanced treatment when needed.

Key takeaways

  • Caused by plaque . Bacterial plaque left on teeth causes gum inflammation and infection.
  • Starts as gingivitis . Mild gum inflammation and bleeding initially.
  • Can progress to periodontitis . Deeper infection destroys bone and connects teeth.
  • Impacts overall health . Bacteria entering bloodstream increases risks for diseases.
  • Prevention through hygiene . Daily brushing, flossing and cleanings stops progression.

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