Now that you feel the need to brush your teeth, we should probably make a connection between periodontal disease and your New Year’s resolution. When the gums pull away from the teeth and create those pockets, the bacteria that caused the periodontitis in the first place begins to infiltrate the exposed, soft gum tissue.
From there, these little microorganisms have a direct line to your bloodstream. Yes, bacteria from your mouth can enter your blood. Once they are in your bloodstream, these bacteria have access to all parts of the body. Periodontal disease is even a risk factor for cancers, heart and lung diseases, diabetes, and premature/low birth-weight babies.