Gum bleeding is mainly associated with periodontitis. Meanwhile, they can even herald a heart attack or stroke.
Gum disease may be the result of other diseases that have attacked our body. Bleeding gums can be a sign of blood clotting disorders, avitaminosis, liver disease, as well as anemia. Therefore, this ailment should always be consulted with a dentist and family doctor. In addition, when the gums are sick, the entire body suffers, because pathogenic bacteria developing on them can pass through the blood to other organs. In addition, long-term inflammation causes the immune system to produce particles called cytokines that can damage tissues throughout the body.
Gum disease and the heart
– Chronic inflammation caused by, for example, periodontal diseases increases the risk of heart attack and stroke, which are the main causes of death in Poles – says prof. Tomasz Guzik, president of the Polish Society for Research on Atherosclerosis. That is why – in his opinion – every cardiologist should ask his patient if their gums bleed while brushing their teeth. If so, a dental consultation and treatment of gingivitis is necessary. In people with heart disease, gum disease also increases the risk of bacterial endocarditis or the heart valves. Bacteria living on the gums can enter the bloodstream through the bloodstream and damage weakened and diseased valves or other heart tissues. Such an infection can damage them even more and even destroy them. During the visit to the dentist, you must inform him about your heart condition and the medications you are taking. Your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic to kill periodontal pathogenic bacteria.
Doctors are also increasingly noticing the relationship between the condition of the gums and lung diseases. Gum disease can increase the risk of respiratory infections.
Gum disease and diabetes
It is well known that people with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing gum disease. Sometimes a gum condition like this can be the first sign that your blood sugar should be tested. Failure to control glucose levels and appropriate treatment risk the development of gum disease and tooth loss. Additionally, infections can increase blood sugar levels, making it difficult for diabetics to control glucose levels. Recently, however, scientists have been wondering whether chronic gum disease is not a risk factor for developing diabetes. Inflammation of the gums is suspected to increase the length of time high sugar levels remain after meals. Gum disease activates cells that can destroy the entire body, including the pancreas. They can damage the cells that make insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar.
Gum care
To keep your gums in good condition, you need to brush and floss your teeth every day at least twice a day. It must not be forgotten that an improperly stored toothbrush can become a breeding ground for microorganisms, fungi and bacteria. Therefore, after brushing your teeth, wash it thoroughly under running water and store it in an upright position that allows it to dry. Brush manufacturers report that after 3 months of regular use, they become much less effective at removing plaque from teeth and gums compared to new toothbrushes. Their fibers wear out and lose their effectiveness in reaching the most difficult corners of the mouth. It’s also a good idea to replace your toothbrush after a cold, flu, mouth infection, or sore throat. Eating a healthy diet is essential and avoiding snacks between meals. Regular checkups with the dentist are also necessary. First of all, to remove tartar, if necessary. Secondly, remember that it is usually the dentist who is the first to notice the problems of our gums. Thanks to this, we can start treating them and early diagnose diseases that are the cause of their poor condition.
Text: Halina Pilonis
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