Can Gingivitis Cause Other Health Problems?

Since gingivitis is caused from plaque buildup in the mouth, that plaque also runs through your whole system. The plaque and the bacteria that cause it can wreak all sorts of havoc in the body if it is not treated early on in the beginning stages of gingivitis. Gingivitis can cause problems such as stroke, heart disease, diabetes and other issues that can poorly affect your body’s immune system.

Tooth Loss
When the gingivitis is bad, it usually leads to advanced stages of gingivitis, called periodontitis. When the periodontitis is moderate or severe, the teeth can fall out. The gums are weakened to a state where holding in the teeth is not possible, due to lack of gum tissue and muscle. Teeth cannot be replaced, so artificial teeth will need to go in their place. Artificial teeth and dental implants can be very expensive and will require additional care to keep clean and in your mouth.

Periodontitis
When gingivitis is not treated quickly, it can rapidly advance and lead to periodontitis. Periodontitis is when the gums around the teeth have eroded. Plaque can build up a lot more easily when there is no gum to protect the teeth. Periodontitis typically requires the help of a dentist and some treatment in order to get rid of it. It can be serious if left untreated for too long.

Periodontitis has different stages. The more severe forms can involve infections of the mouth and gums. They can also include bone loss on the jaw and around the teeth. Other immune system diseases might also occur when the periodontitis has reached an advanced stage.

Other Health Ailments
Gum disease cannot be directly related to other health problems, but medical experts say that trouble in the mouth can signal trouble elsewhere. Lingering bad breath, even after brushing and when no gum disease is present can signal diabetes. Plaque buildup on the teeth can also serve as a warning that plaque is building up in the veins and arteries. When veins and arteries have clogs, strokes and heart attacks can occur.

Other health ailments that can be signaled by an unhealthy mouth include chronic conditions, immune disorders and unhealthy hair, skin and fingernails. By caring for your mouth, you can take care of a lot of your body parts and systems as well. While the experts agree that an unhealthy mouth can signal an unhealthy body, the reverse is also true. A healthy mouth can signal a healthy body!