Why Inflammation Makes Periodontal Disease Such a Threat

One of the reasons why periodontal disease is such a threat is because it’s the leading cause of adult tooth loss. When left untreated, it can lead to severe erosion of your periodontal tissues and jawbone structure, leaving teeth without adequate support. The driving force behind this erosion is harmful oral bacteria – particularly, the inflammation that certain microbes incite throughout your periodontal and oral tissues. Besides tooth loss, patients in Encinitas/San Diego can also be at heightened risk for other chronic health issues thanks to this uncontrolled inflammation, which is another significant reason why periodontal disease is such a threat.

What Causes Chronic Gum Inflammation?

Of the several hundred types of oral bacteria that inhabit your mouth, only a select few are specifically responsible for periodontal disease. For instance, Porphyromonas gingivalis bacteria produce molecules to hide from your immune system as it tries to eradicate the harmful microbes. They also interfere with the system’s ability to control inflammation, leading to unchecked and increasingly worse tissue swelling. While inflammation is meant to be a defensive measure, it can damage your tissues when your immune system can’t turn it off, which is gum disease’s most prominent symptom.

How Does this Affect the Rest of Your Health?

For the state of your oral health, chronic inflammation is the main reason why periodontal disease leads to tooth loss. For the rest of your systemic health, it can also substantially raise your risks of other chronic issues. For example, chronic inflammation is a common risk factor for conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, dementia, and much more. The longer gum disease is left untreated, the higher your risks will be of harmful oral bacteria entering your system and influencing your systemic health.

Protect Your Periodontal and Overall Health from Inflammation

Severe periodontal disease is worrisome for many different reasons, but one of the most concerning is the excessive inflammation related to its presence. For more information, or to learn more about the dangers of periodontal inflammation, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kania by calling her periodontal office in Encinitas/San Diego, CA, at (760) 642-0711.