In recent years, studies have increasingly demonstrated a link between gum disease and overall health, with potentially strong links between periodontal disease and heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. With one in ten adults suffering from gum disease by the time they reach age 65, it’s clear that taking care of your gums properly becomes even more important as you age. The good news is that gum disease is largely preventable with proper dental care and regular check-ups.

The Many Ways Gum Disease Affects Your Health

Numerous studies at hospitals and universities, including Harvard University and others, suggest that gum health can impact overall health in various ways.

Respiratory Health

Individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) must maintain good periodontal health. Bacterial infections can travel from the gums to the lungs via the bloodstream, leading to serious complications. Periodontal disease also increases the risk of pneumonia and other infections if an individual inhales oral bacteria.

Heart Health

When plaque develops on teeth and gums, it leads to inflammation. Research has demonstrated that this inflammation leads to inflammation throughout the body. Severe periodontitis may also be linked to a higher risk of stroke and heart disease.

Nutrition

Gum disease often leads to tooth sensitivity and, eventually, tooth loss. Both can cause you to avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables that contain essential nutrients, vitamins, and fiber crucial to your health. Fatigue, dizziness, and malnutrition can all be results.

Diabetes

Gum diabetes can increase your risk of developing diabetes, particularly if you have other risk factors for diabetes, including obesity and a family history of diabetes. If you already have diabetes, you are more likely to develop periodontal disease because your body doesn’t produce as much saliva, and the saliva it does produce is higher in glucose. Diabetes and gum disease are often found together, and both must be treated aggressively to keep them in check.

Mental Health

When you stop smiling and laughing because you’re embarrassed about decayed or missing teeth, your mental health is likely to suffer. Many people discover that they socialize less and insulate themselves from family and friends when they notice tooth loss or dental disease.

Early Symptoms of Gum Disease

Never ignore the early signs of gum disease, including:

• Red, swollen gums
• Bleeding or sensitive gums when brushing
• Receding gums
• Loose teeth
• Pain when you bite down or chew
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
• Increased space between your teeth
• Chronic bad breath

If you have any of the symptoms above, you should schedule an appointment with one of the dentists at Herald Square for an examination and dental cleaning. Regular check-ups are crucial in maintaining good oral health. We will evaluate your teeth and gums to determine whether you need additional treatment, such as scaling and root planing, to prevent gingivitis, the earliest form of gum disease, from progressing to periodontal disease that could enter the bloodstream and affect other aspects of your health.

At Herald Square Dental, our team of experienced and caring dental professionals is dedicated to providing you with the best possible care. We can remove the damaging plaque, disinfect the area, and restore your gums to optimal health. To schedule an appointment, please call our office at Herald Square Dental Phone Number (212) 689-0024.

New Patient Special

We want to help you take the best care of your dental health.

New Patient Package

$189 which brings you high-quality preventative dental care at an affordable fee in NYC. (A $591 Value) This offer includes:

• Full Mouth Series of Digital X-Rays
• Examination of your teeth and Gums
• Oral Cancer Screening
• Cleaning (dental prophylaxis)
• Personalized Treatment Plan

Valid for New Patients Without Insurance. Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer expires 4/30/2025