How Does Chronic Inflammation From Gum Disease Affect the Body?

Swollen gums or bleeding when you brush might seem like minor annoyances, but they're often signs of an issue that reaches far beyond your mouth. Gum disease triggers chronic inflammation, and that inflammation can travel through the bloodstream, which contributes to problems with the heart, blood sugar, and more throughout the body. 

Fortunately, solutions such as scaling and root planing may be able to help. At Cosmetic Dental Associates in Houston, TX, Dr. Spiker Davis and Dr. Matt Guerre help patients treat gum disease early, before it takes a bigger toll. Call today for a periodontal exam and protect more than just your smile. 

Understanding gum disease 

Gum disease occurs when plaque and tartar build up along and beneath the gumline, allowing bacteria to infect the surrounding tissue. In its early stage, called gingivitis, you may notice swollen gums, redness, or bleeding while brushing and flossing. At this point, the condition is still reversible with professional care and improved hygiene. 

Left untreated, the infection advances to periodontitis. The gums pull away and form "gum pockets," where bacteria collect and multiply out of reach of your toothbrush. As these pockets deepen, the infection destroys the bone and tissue that anchor your teeth, which eventually leads to loose teeth or tooth loss. During a periodontal exam, Dr. Davis and Dr. Guerre use a periodontal probe to precisely measure pocket depths and track how far the disease has progressed. 

How gum disease affects overall health 

The bacteria driving gum disease don't stay in place. Through inflamed, bleeding gum tissue, they can enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body. Research has linked periodontal disease to the following:  

• Heart disease: Chronic inflammation contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries, and gum disease has been associated with a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. 
• Diabetes complications: Gum infections can make blood sugar harder to control, while diabetes also makes gum disease worse, creating a damaging cycle. 
• Pregnancy concerns: Periodontal disease has been connected to premature birth and low birth weight. 

In short, your gums are a window into your overall health in Houston, and treating the infection as soon as possible can benefit your whole body. 

Our comprehensive solutions for gum disease 

Treatment at our office depends on how far the disease has advanced. For most early and moderate cases, we start with scaling and root planing. Scaling clears away the plaque and tartar hiding below the gumline, while root planing smoothes the tooth roots so the gums can reattach and bacteria have fewer places to cling. Antibiotics may be added to calm pain and reduce lingering inflammation. 

For more advanced periodontitis, Dr. Davis and Dr. Guerre offer surgical options, including gum grafting to restore receded tissue, laser gum surgery, regenerative procedures that rebuild lost bone, and pocket reduction surgery to close deep gum pockets. Each plan begins with a thorough periodontal exam so treatment matches your specific stage of disease. 

Achieve healthy gums and a healthier body in Houston 

Swollen gums are not just a minor issue, and seeking treatment early can spare you from problems far more serious than inflammation. Whether you need a routine periodontal exam, scaling and root planing, or care for deeper gum pockets, Dr. Spiker Davis and Dr. Matt Guerre at Cosmetic Dental Associates are ready to help. Schedule an appointment in Houston, TX today and take an important step toward protecting your overall health.