People with gum disease need to have it treated as soon as possible because gum disease has links to many chronic illnesses. One of the chronic illnesses that link to gum disease is dementia. Here is more information about the links between serious gum disease and dementia.
About Gum Disease
Gum disease is also called periodontal disease. It has three stages. In gingivitis or the first stage, people have red, swollen and bleeding gums. With proper dental care, gingivitis can be cured, and you won’t have permanent damage to your gums.
In periodontitis, or the second and third stages of gum disease, dentists can treat the infection in your gums, but they cannot cure the disease. Patients with periodontitis may develop pockets between their teeth and gums, where infection can thrive. If you have periodontitis, dental cleanings are a must because if you take care of your gums, more serious infections won’t have a chance to develop.
Links To Dementia
At this time, there is some evidence that people with serious gum disease (periodontitis) may be at higher risk for dementia. Several studies have indicated that many people with advanced gum disease also have dementia. Scientists aren’t sure what the link is between gum disease and dementia, but they believe that people with advanced gum disease, especially gum disease that isn’t treated, may spread the infection into other parts of the body, such as the heart, blood vessels, and brain.
If you have gum disease, it is really important you get treated for the disease. With regular deep cleanings, dental practitioners may be able to halt the progress of gum disease, which will reduce your chances of complications and chronic health issues. If you haven’t gotten your gum disease treated, it is never too late to start. Schedule an appointment with a dental practitioner as soon as possible.
