The Silent Health Assassin | Periodontal, Gum Disease Attacks the Whole Body
Posted Aug 2019
By Delta Dental of Arkansas
Tagged gum disease, gingivitis, periodontal disease
It wasn’t long ago that the connection between oral health and overall health seemed distantly related at best. Today, we know this is not the case. There are strong connections between the health of the mouth and the rest of the body. Stop and think about how you’re taking care of yourself from top to bottom.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is one example of an oral health problem that can affect the whole body. Think of it as a silent health assassin. Without regular checkups at a dentist, you may not even know you have periodontal disease, but it could be impacting your overall health nonetheless.
Periodontal disease is often considered a painless condition until it worsens. Then, it becomes painful, damaging, and can result in tooth loss.
Gum Disease and Overall Health Problems
Periodontal disease has been linked to other overall health issues like diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, respiratory complications, and cancer. In some instances, a cause-and-effect response within your body exists. If you’re diabetic, you are more susceptible to periodontal disease. In others, like with heart disease, the inflammation in your mouth is considered a potential cause of inflammation elsewhere. This inflammation elevates the risk the risk of a blockage-related emergency such as a heart attack or stroke by two-to-three times.
Gum disease has been found to increase the risk of dementia later in life, too. Researchers discovered that periodontal problems may also be associated with mild cognitive impairment, such as memory problems.
Illness in your mouth can affect your whole body. The health of your mouth and smile are not something to be taken lightly.
How to Identify Periodontal Disease
Visit your dentist – Regular visits to your dentist—twice a year—are the best way to prevent and/or identify periodontal disease. They’ll investigate whether you have a clean bill of oral health, or if you’re are showing signs of gingivitis. Gingivitis is an early form of periodontal disease. Your dentist will also help by cleaning your teeth and gums, effectively removing the plaque that causes gum disease in the first place.
Consider the symptoms – Do you have pain when chewing? Are you experiencing bad breath? Do your gums bleed after brushing your teeth or feel tender or puffy? You may have periodontal disease.
Paying attention to any changes in your mouth, like sudden pain when eating or a newly discovered loose tooth will help you gauge the state of your oral health. If you start to notice one or more of these symptoms persisting, it’s time to see your dentist.
Know your habits – People who rarely maintain their teeth and gums, those who smoke or chew tobacco, women who are pregnant, folks on certain medications, and many who have specific conditions like those mentioned above are at risk for periodontal disease. If you fall into one of these risk categories, you’ll have to be more diligent about preventative measures.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
Take care of your mouth – Regular visits to the dentist, a proper oral care routine, and paying attention to your body are all that is required of you. You can keep periodontal disease at bay with a small amount of work, and your body will thank you for it.
People who have dental coverage are more likely to visit their dentist on time. They’re also more likely to avoid dental problems in the future. To find a provider in your area, use our handy search tool.
Looking for more oral health information? Click here.
- sensitive teeth
- herbal
- charcoal
- DIY toothpaste
- children’s toothpaste
- Women’s History Month
- female dentists
- women dentists
- pioneers in dentistry
- tooth fairy original poll
- cash gifts
- lost baby teeth
- inflation
- 25th anniversary
- photo frames
- door hangers
- in-network dentists
- network dentist
- out-of-network dentists
- contract rates
- balance billing
- dental insurance benefits
- dental ID cards
- new ID cards
- access ID cards
- digital ID cards
- virtual ID cards
- paper ID cards
- Social Security number
- denied dental claims
- in-network dentist
- out-of-network dentist
- annual maximum
- typos
- input errors
- x-rays
- basic dental insurance
- premium dental insurance
- pre-determination of benefits
- EyeMed Vision Care
- EyeMed
- dental insurance terminology
- Carryover benefits
- out-of-pocket dental expenses
- basic dental services
- major dental services
- saving money
- comparison
- saving
- agreed-upon rates
- questions
- what to ask
- choosing a carrier
- PHE unwinding
- Public Health Emergency
- Arkansas Medicaid
- Medicaid coverage
- Arkansas Department of Human Services
- DHS
- DHS office
- contact information
- Update Arkansas
- finding a dentist
- rating tool
- rating system
- scale
- scores
- quality rating
- DentaQual
- cost shifting
- cost savings
- budget
- consultant
- anniversary
- 40 years
- smiles
- largest dental insurer
- Arkansas
- Earl Gladden
- Ed Choate
- Kristin Merlo
- Best Places to Work
- dentists
- awards
- outstanding foundation
- Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation
- community fluoridation efforts
- COVID-19 relief funding
- small business
- fringe benefits
- voluntary benefits
- mandatory benefits
- top talent
- recruitment
- compensation
- salary
- wages
- dental coverage
- group insurance
- group rates
- premiums
- tax savings
- convenience
- company culture
- flexibility
- Tooth Pain
- Pain Relief
- Dentistry
- Baby
- Benefits
- Contests
- crooked teeth
- aging
- oral health
- older adults
- medication
- recipe
- nutrition
- meal prep
- overall health
- glucose
- diabetic
- diabetes
- salmon
- dinner recipe
- nutrients
- dental plan
- dental health
- entertainment
- grants
- dental cleaning
- teeth
- seniors
- senior oral health
- Tooth be told
- baby dental health
- baby oral health
- dental care for babies
- periodontal disease
- gingivitis
- gum disease
- crafts
- tooth fairy
- enamel
- dental benefits
- dental terms
- parenting
- dreams about teeth
- teeth falling out dream
- dream about losing teeth
- annual maximum on dental plans
- understanding dental benefits
- cavity-causing bacteria
- dentist
- oral
- toothpaste
- trending
- Dental Emergency
- SEO Based
- tooth
- coverage
- Engagement
- procedure
- Vision
- snoring
- teeth grinding
- cost
- brushing
- floss
- wisdom teeth
- insurance
- Individual Insurance
- Preventive Care
- healthy mouth while camping
- dental costs
- halloween
- trick-or-treat
- children
- candy
- during a pandemic
- COVID-19
- caramel
- chewy
- water
- fluoride toothpaste
- plaque
- crown
- root canal
- ice cubes
- hard candy
- flossing
- gums
- nuts
- cracking
- biting
- chewing
- Christmas
- Holidays
- low deductible
- affordable cost
- parents’ coverage
- losing eligibility
- turning 26
- individual vision insurance
- individual dental insurance
- vision insurance
- dental insurance
- Post-Millenials
- Gen Z
- Delta Dental of Arkansas
- SuperiorVision
- eye pigment
- melanin
- free radicals
- macular degeneration
- cataracts
- eye diseases
- zeaxanthin
- lutein
- citrus fruit
- oranges
- folic acid
- zinc
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
- calcium
- nutrients for healthy teeth and eyes
- diet
- water filters
- bottled water
- fluoride liquids
- fluoride tablets
- fluoride foam
- fluoride gel
- tooth decay
- fluoride treatment
- dental insurance plan
- cavity-fighter
- cavities
- cavity
- CWF
- community water fluoridation
- water fluoridation
- fluoride
- network
- affordable premiums
- negotiated rates
- agree-upon rates
- wrong question
- out-of-pocket expenses
- maximum insurance benefits
- insurance benefits
- in-network provider
- network provider
- dental treatments
- expenses
- smile
- George Washington’s dentures
- bad teeth
- George Washington
- sealants
- permanent teeth
- primary teeth
- molars
- premolars
- Bicuspids
- loose tooth
- Glitterville
- glitter dresses
- celebration
- yanking
- pillow
- baby teeth
- loose baby teeth
- infographic
- baby tooth
- Tooth Fairy wand
- Tooth Fairy crown
- Tooth Fairy costume
- Tooth Fairy wings
- letters to the Tooth Fairy
- Tooth Fairy crafts
- tooth bottle
- video
- treasure
- garden
- castle
- loose teeth
- Ratoncito Pérez
- Tooth Rat
- Elf and Brownie
- Magical Mouse
- appearance
- grinding
- anxiety
- nightmares
- Teeth falling out
- berries
- leaves
- odont
- Delta
- Omicron
- god of medicine and healing
- Asclepius
- purple
- lilac
- snake
- dentistry symbol
- vision coverage
- AOA
- AAO
- blinking
- blurred vision
- gritty eyes
- dry eyes
- eye discomfort
- digital eye strain
- screen time
- digital device
- light spectrum
- visible light
- eye damage
- UV light
- blue light
- e-book
- lubricating eye drops
- artificial tears
- washcloth
- gel eye mask
- compresses
- warm and cold eye
- screen glare
- overhead lighting
- optometrist
- eye doctor
- eye care provider
- eye exam
- developing good oral health habits
- treats
- kids
- fun activities
- tooth enamel
- seeing a dentist
- brushing teeth
- sugar swaps
- sugary foods and drinks
- oral injuries
- athletics
- sports
- mouthguards
- sugary drinks
- alternatives
- sweets scale
- holiday candy
- sugary holiday treats
- disease detection
- diseases
- save your life
- dental exam
- myokymia
- vision loss
- glaucoma
- eye infections
- eye twitches
- eye spasms
- light sensitivity
- itchy eyes
- eye health
- sleep
- red spots
- white spots
- sulfur
- bad breath
- bacteria
- brushing your tongue
- tongue
- Superior Vision
- premium plan
- standard plan
- copays
- eyeglasses
- frames
- contact lenses
- eyeglass lenses
- eye exams
- vision plan
- soft bristles
- firm bristles
- scrubbing
- saliva
- rinsing with water
- amounts
- toothbrush
- brushing teeth mistakes
- cataplexy
- muscle weakness
- muscle loss
- sleepiness
- double vision
- twitchy eyelids
- droopy eyelids
- narcolepsy
- healthy treats
- sweet tooth
- hydration
- watermelon
- mouthwash
- heart disease
- routine
- habit
- window to overall health
- tartar
- professional dental cleanings
- recipes
- taco bar
- salsa
- mango margaritas
- tacotuesday
- tacos
- eye irritation
- eyestrain
- employee benefits
- sugar-free gum
- electric toothbrushes
- camping
- employer plans
- handshake
- smelly skin
- smelly clothes
- nicotine breath
- yellow teeth
- yellow nails
- business owner
- entrepreneur
- investors
- bad first impression
- general and oral health
- cool
- stress
- smoking
- behavioral issues
- learning disabilities
- eye-hand coordination
- clumsiness
- squinting
- white pupil
- lazy eye
- crossed eyes
- vision issues in children
- phosphates
- remineralization
- acids
- pH level
- snacks
- toothbrush holder
- mold
- yeast
- salmonella
- E. coli
- Coliform
- germs
- white teeth diet
- coffee
- poor oral health habits
- genetics
- pregnancy gingivitis
- menstruation gingivitis
- hormonal fluctuations
- progesterone
- estrogen
- female hormones
- check-in procedures
- safety protocol
- risk
- pandemic
- dentist visits
- citrus
- sodas
- acidic foods
- starchy foods
- sticky foods
- polyphenols
- antioxidants
- teeth staining
- raspberries
- blueberries
- strawberries
- low birth weight
- premature birth
- prostaglandin
- vomiting
- food cravings
- gestational gingivities
- pregnancy
- infused water
- cucumber
- summer drinks
- sugar-free drinks
- party drinks
- missing school
- peace of mind
- childrens oral health
- back to school
- dental check-up
- dental visits
- dental appointments
- oral care
- healthy living
- vitamins
- fiber
- whole wheat
- broccoli-egg-cheese muffin
- banana muffins
- blueberry muffins
- muffins
- chronic childhood disease
- academic performance
- school absences
- sugar substitute
- stevia
- xylitol
- milk
- smoothies
- eggs
- protein
- dairy
- fruit
- morning routine
- snacking
- fruit juice
- drinking milk
- sugar intake
- refined starches
- refined sugars
- breakfast alternatives
- cereal
- sugary cereals
- spices
- herbs
- healthy oils
- fluid
- grains
- vegetables
- fruits
- books for kids
- cavity prevention
- relaxation techniques
- dental staff
- positive associations
- positive attitudes
- dental chair
- regular appointments
- fear of dentist
- dental anxiety
- positive reinforcement
- healthy habits
- education
- fluorosis
- teeth crowding
- thumb sucking
- regular checkups
- child development
- specialist
- dental anxiety specialized training
- special-needs children
- general dentist
- pediatric dentist
- inclusion
- non-edible
- sugar
- food allergies
- teal pumpkin project
- teal pumpkin
- stress management
- tooth sensitivity
- receding gum lines
- toothache
- broken teeth
- pain
- sore jaws
- headaches
- bruxism
- teeth clenching
- tube
- pumice
- whitening
- chalk
- burnt bread
- brussels sprouts
- sweet potatoes
- fat
- salt
- healthy side dishes
- Thanksgiving
- periodontitis
- fungi
- fungus
- probiotics
- microbes
- harmful bacteria
- healthy bacteria
- Bifidobacterium
- Lactobacillus
- tempeh
- miso
- kombucha
- sauerkraut
- kimchi
- kefir
- yogurt
- probiotic supplements
- fermented foods
- friendly bacteria
- green tea
- black tea
- soda
- trapped
- worst foods for teeth
- best foods for teeth
- egg cookers
- drinking straws
- chocolate
- gum
- toothbrush cases
- toothbrushes
- water bottles
- smile-friendly
- stocking stuffers
- mature tooth
- anesthetics
- infection
- pulp
- pulpal damage
- endodontist
- endodontics
- biometrics
- most updated security technology
- new technology platform
- enhanced functionality
- December 2021
- November 2021
- relaunch
- Delta Dental mobile app
- checkup
- preventive care visit
- professional cleaning
- slow month
- September
- dentist’s appointment
- dentin
- minerals
- acid reflux
- fish scales
- bone
- hardest substance
- high blood pressure
- blindness
- inflamed gums
- tooth loss
- fluid buildup
- POAG
- optical nerve
- K-4
- elementary school students
- markers
- crayons
- art supplies
- science experiment
- classroom projects
- marshmallows
- healthy eating
- sad tooth
- happy tooth
- lesson plans
- in-network
- insurance coverage
- major services
- retainer
- braces
- maxillofacial surgeon
- oral surgeon
- orthodontist
- periodontist
- Dental specialists
- liquid form
- layer
- film
- glass ionomer
- quick
- painless
- pits
- grooves
- barrier
- arthritis
- carpal tunnel
- replacement
- timers
- rotation
- vibrations
- safe
- effective
- plaque removal
- manual toothbrush
- power toothbrush
- powered toothbrush
- electric toothbrush
- immune system
- dry mouth
- lost teeth
- oral cancer
- stained teeth
- snuff
- chewing tobacco
- cigars
- cigarettes
- tobacco
- nicotine
- healthy meals
- Arkansas State Parks
- hiking
- summer camps
- summer activities
- obesity
- physical activities
- childrens health
- mouth guard
- adolescents
- inflammation
- restricted blood flow
- aerosol
- vaping
- e-cigarettes
- recreational use
- medicinal use
- lesions
- HPV
- tooth discoloration
- joint
- pot
- weed
- cannabis
- Marijuana
- sugar cravings
- stains
- chronic alcohol consumption
- heavy drinking
- cocktails
- alcohol
- spirits
- wine
- beer
- jaw clenching
- addiction
- drug abuse
- meth mouth
- ecstasy
- opioids
- methamphetamine
- meth
- cocaine
- Heroin
{{ showingText }} {{ showingTagName }}
There are not results to show