Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is one of the most common chronic dental conditions. Yet, even patients who suffer from it don’t always realize the impact it can have on their lives. For instance, when it’s allowed to become severe, periodontal disease becomes a leading cause of tooth loss. The longer it’s left untreated, the more teeth you may lose by the time you do seek help. However, tooth loss is only of many different ways in which periodontal disease can affect your life. Today, we take a look at two more ways, including how the disease affects the rest of your oral health and how it can influence your risks for other chronic illnesses.

Increasing Oral Health Problems

The driving force behind periodontal disease is a collection of harmful oral bacteria types that infect and inflame your gums. These microbes cause your gum tissues to erode and recede from your teeth, and the inflammation can cause considerable damage to the tissues and underlying jawbone. In addition to causing tooth loss, this damage can also lead to the need for comprehensive treatment such as laser periodontal treatment and maintenance, pinhole gum grafting, and more.

Declining Overall Health

Because inflammation can become a serious risk factor for several aspects of your health, unchecked gum disease can influence those risks beyond just your oral health. For instance, patients who exhibit severe periodontal disease are also often at higher risks of developing issues like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and more. Consequently, treating your condition as soon as possible is the best way to avoid periodontal disease from becoming a health risk.

Improve Your Life with Expert Periodontal Care

By preventing or treating periodontal disease, you can avoid the many different affects it can have on other aspects of your life besides your smile. To learn more, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kania by calling her periodontal office in Encinitas/San Diego, CA, at (760) 642-0711.