Periodontal diseases or periodontitis is a gum infection. When this infection becomes severe and is not treated in time, it can even affect your jawbone. Another effect of this disease is the loosening of teeth or tooth loss. However, the firmness of the teeth can be restored if it is treated in the initial stages. 

Dr. Volki Felahy at our Sunset Oak Dental Clinic in Rocklin, California, has helped many patients treat oral infections with regular check-ups. 

Poor oral hygiene practices are to blame for this. Let’s take a look at other health issues that this disease causes. 

Conditions Caused by Periodontal Disease 

Periodontal disease can cause various systemic conditions. Some of the common ones are mentioned below. 

• It is believed that germs that get into the bloodstream from periodontal disease can cause infections in the heart tissue, causing heart diseases.  Subacute bacterial endocarditis or SABE is often associated with periodontal disease.  
• Periodontal disease also can pass on the germs to the lungs, causing pneumonia and other lung infections.
• Women who are pregnant should be extremely careful about oral health, as periodontal infection can trigger various problems. This includes poor nutrition, which can affect the child in the womb. It can also cause low birth weight of the newborn and premature birth.
• Studies have shown that periodontal disease and diabetes are closely linked, with each contributing to the progression of the other. 

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Like most diseases, periodontitis also has a few common symptoms. You must be wary of them and visit a dentist at once. The symptoms are listed below. 

• Red or swollen gums that bleed when touched or when brushing
• Bad breath
• Receding gum line (exposing the roots)
• Sensitivity to hot and cold foods
• Loosening of the teeth as the condition worsens
• Altered bite of a person
• Pain when chewing or biting

Are you experiencing any of these symptoms? If you said yes, feel free to walk into our clinic Sunset Oak Dental, Rocklin, California 95765. You can also call us at (916) 435-5111, and schedule an appointment.