Why Treat Gum Disease?
Posted by: Frank Alexander DDS in periodontal disease, gum disease, diabetes on Aug 19, 2008
Since gum disease is a bacterial infection of the bone and tissue surrounding the teeth, leaving the disease untreated can lead to:
- Bone loss around the teeth
- Loose teeth
- Eventual loss of teeth
Here are some other reasons to treat your gum condition. Periodontal (gum) disease has been linked to the following:
- Heart disease and stroke
- Diabetes
- COPD
- Preterm, low birth weight babies in mothers with gum disease
All these health problems are linked to periodontal disease. By treating gum disease, you may see an improvement in your overall health as well, especially if you have a history of diabetes or heart disease.