Gum Disease

Having healthy gums is an important part of your overall well-being. Gum disease can cause pain, difficulty eating, bad breath, loss of teeth and more.

Not only do individuals with diabetes have a higher of getting gum disease, but gum disease will also affect the severity of their diabetes. The bacteria found in plaque can be inhaled into the lungs and may cause a lung infection or condition. This can happen to you even if you don’t have gum disease, but have lots of plaque. Pregnant women need to take care of their teeth and gums since the hormonal changes caused by pregnancy can increase the risk of the expectant mother to develop gingivitis or periodontal disease. These oral diseases can cause low birth weight and premature birth. Expecting mothers should seek treatment if they have periodontal disease to reduce the risk of pre- and post-natal issues.

Bacteria from plaque can collect in gums to cause an inflammation, where the body destroys both the gum and bone tissue. If untreated, the bone tissue can start to erode, which can lead to loose or shifting teeth and in some cases may cause tooth loss.