How Lungs Get Impacted When You Do Not Treat Gum Disease

When you think of how gum disease is going to affect your body, you probably think about how it can damage your teeth and even impact your jawbone.

You probably don’t think about your lungs, though. Unfortunately, gum disease can affect many parts of your body, including your lungs. This infection can spread quickly if it’s not dealt with, which is why it’s so important that you come see us as soon as you see the early signs of gum disease.

What Does Gum Disease Do to the Lungs?

When the infection in your gums isn’t dealt with, it begins to spread throughout the mouth and, eventually, to the rest of the body. When it reaches the lungs, it can actually cause or contribute to issues such as pneumonia or bronchitis.

These are serious respiratory diseases that can put you in the hospital for days. For young children or the elderly, pneumonia can even become a life-threatening condition. This is why gum disease needs to be treated as soon as possible. It’s more than just a little bleeding when you brush your teeth—it can quickly begin to threaten your overall physical health.

Dealing with Gum Disease

If you see that your gums look shiny or red or if they bleed every time you brush your teeth, you likely have early gum disease, often called gingivitis. This is your warning that you need to call us and set up an appointment as soon as possible. Gingivitis is easy to treat, and once we’ve cleaned your teeth and cleared up the infection, good brushing and flossing habits are usually enough to prevent it from coming back. If you let it progress, though, it will be much more difficult to treat.

Don’t let gum disease cause damage to your lungs and other parts of your body. Call us today to set up an appointment.