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Not only dental problems, but gum problems also need attention, such as gum disease infection. Gums play a role in protecting the roots of the teeth. If the gums have problems, they do not play an optimal role in doing their job. In fact, if the problem of gum disease infection is not treated immediately, it could lead to complications from other diseases.

Recognizing the symptoms of gum infection

Gum infection or periodontitis is a problem in the oral cavity that anyone can experience. According to Mayo ClinicThis gum disease damages the soft tissue, even the bone that supports the formation of teeth. In the end, this gum problem causes the teeth to fall out easily.

Symptoms of gum infection can be identified as follows:

• The gums are swollen or feel tender to the touch
• Bright red, dark red, to purplish
• Gums bleed easily
• Bleeding when brushing or flossing your teeth (flossing)
• Bad breath
• Pus between the teeth and gums
• Teeth fall off easily
• Pain when chewing
• The spaces between the teeth appear
• Decreased gum or gum recession
• Changes when biting food

Initially, it may feel like a normal mouth problem. However, if this gum infection causes other symptoms like the one above, it is certainly uncomfortable, especially when you are about to eat or brush your teeth.

Previously, there were various causes of swollen gums that needed to be understood. For example, plaque problems that form on teeth and harden to form tartar or tartar. The formation of tartar can cause irritation and inflammation around the gums.

The inflammation that takes place can form pockets between the gums and teeth filled with plaque, tartar, and bacteria. If these tooth pockets expand, bacteria can impact the tissue and bone in the gums. As a result, the teeth can fall out easily.

In fact, chronic inflammation of gum problems can reduce the immune system and lead to complications of other diseases.

Possible complications of gum disease infection

Oral problems, such as gum disease, can affect your health and put you at risk of health complications. The following are complications of infected gums if left untreated:

1. Respiratory disorders

The germs found in the gums can enter the lungs and cause respiratory infections. Journal of Medicine and Life explained, a collection of germs on dental plaque and gum infections can enter the respiratory system. The germs that enter can become inflamed and infect the lungs.

Possible respiratory system disorders include pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and emphysema. However, researchers say this can be overcome by maintaining oral health regularly to avoid dental and gum problems that have an impact on lung health.

2. Cardiovascular disorders

Gum disease can also lead to complications from cardiovascular disorders. The inflammation in gum disease can put a strain on the body and increase the risk of plaque forming on the arteries.

Harvard Health Publishing describes Dr. Hatice Hasturk, a periodontist at the Harvard-affiliated Forsyth Institute, a non-profit research organization that focuses on oral health. Dr. Hasturk and other research colleagues conducted a research test on a rabbit that was fed a high cholesterol diet. When researched, the rabbit had gum disease infection.

Researchers also said, "load" inflammation of the gums trigger atherosclerosis or narrowing and hardening of the arteries due to plaque accumulation on the artery walls in guinea pigs. They say, rabbits also have a high risk of heart attack.

Inflammation of the gums can indirectly lead to cardiovascular complications. However, it should be noted that not everyone who has cardiovascular problems has gum problems.

3. Rheumatism

Severe gum disease can lead to complications such as rheumatism. This is because inflammation of the gums can lead to rheumatic inflammation (rheumatoid arthritis), which is inflammation of the joints due to an immune response.

These complications can be prevented by paying attention to daily oral hygiene, so that teeth and gum problems can be avoided.

4. Difficult to control blood sugar in people with diabetes

Another complication of gum infection is difficulty controlling blood sugar in people with diabetes. Based on the journal Diabetologia, gum infection inflammation can increase cytokine activity and affect immunity, so that the body's work is disrupted.

This has an impact on the difficulty of controlling blood sugar in people with diabetes. If people with diabetes have severe periodontitis, they may experience other organ disorders, such as kidney disease.

Tips for preventing complications from gum infections

Tooth infections that are not treated promptly can cause a variety of complications as mentioned earlier. However, it would be better to prevent before waiting for the gum condition to worsen.

However, it is important to maintain oral health, especially in the midst of a pandemic, because the mouth is one of the entry points for germs into the body. Problems from the mouth can trigger other disorders of the organs.

Therefore, here are tips on caring for the oral cavity to prevent gum infections that can lead to complications.

1. Immediately to the dentist if there are tooth or gum problems

Do not delay going to the dentist if you have cavities, so as not to cause gum inflammation problems. If you notice any tartar or tartar that starts to build up, immediately go to the dentist to clean it, avoiding gum infections that might occur.

2. Always gargle with mouthwash or antiseptic mouthwash

Gargle with antiseptic mouthwash can maintain the health of the oral cavity. Based on American Dental Association, mouthwash can prevent cavities, control plaque, and prevent gum problems. You can choose mouthwash with content essential oils which can reduce 99.9% of the germs that cause oral problems.

3. Brush your teeth and flossing regularly

Don't forget to routinely brush your teeth the right way twice a day to prevent dental plaque buildup, as well as gum problems. After that, make it a habit to keep cleaning between your teeth with dental floss to clean hard-to-reach areas with a toothbrush.

Take the three simple steps above to prevent gum disease infection and its complications. Take care of your oral health to take care of your health.