When people think about improving their health, they often focus on exercising, eating more vegetables, and getting more sleep. However, better care of your gums and teeth should also be a priority. Dental and medical professionals agree that gum health is essential for your mouth and entire body.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a progressive condition affecting the mouth and gums. It develops over time in stages:
- Gingivitis: This is the earliest stage of gum disease. It’s very common, and most people will experience it eventually. Symptoms include gum soreness, bleeding during brushing, mild pain, redness, and sometimes minor swelling. Gingivitis can usually be reversed with treatment. If left untreated, it can progress to a more severe form known as periodontitis.
- Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease that causes permanent damage to the bone and gum tissue. While the damage cannot be reversed, professional care can stop its progression. Symptoms include receding gums, changes in bite, bad breath, loose teeth or tooth loss, red and swollen gums, and painful chewing.
Gum Health and Whole-Body Health
“The common denominator for both gingivitis and periodontitis is the onset of inflammation in the gums,” says Andres-Pinto, DMD, MPH. If unchecked, this inflammation can break down the gums and destroy the jawbone, ultimately causing tooth loss. Inflammation in the gums triggers the immune system, sending infection-fighting cells throughout the body. This immune response can increase the risk of various health conditions, including:
- Heart Disease: Inflammation from gum disease can increase the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. The cardiovascular system reacts negatively to inflammation by increasing cholesterol and fat levels in the bloodstream, leading to plaque buildup and atherosclerosis, which narrows and stiffens blood vessels, potentially blocking blood flow.
- Diabetes: Poorly controlled blood sugar levels can lead to higher glucose levels in saliva, promoting the growth of bacteria that cause gum disease. Additionally, infections from untreated periodontal disease can raise blood sugar levels, making diabetes more challenging to control.
- COVID-19: Research suggests that inflammation in the mouth and gums from severe periodontitis may lead to more aggressive COVID-19 infections and increase the risk of complications.
- Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD): Preliminary data indicates that inflammation in the mouth may contribute to worsening IBD and other gastrointestinal disorders.
- Mental Health: Advanced gum disease and tooth loss can affect self-esteem, leading to reduced social interaction and increased isolation, major factors in mental decline, depression, and anxiety.
Causes of Periodontal Disease
“The main culprit is poor brushing and flossing habits, and diet may play a role,” says Dr. Pinto. After eating, especially carbohydrates, mouth bacteria feed on glucose and form plaque on the teeth. If not properly cleaned, plaque can harden and cause gum inflammation. Home brushing and flossing are often insufficient to remove all plaque, so professional cleanings every six months are essential.
Other risk factors include:
- Tobacco use
- Chronic alcohol use
- Certain medications
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Dry mouth
- Genetics
Prevention Is the Best Medicine
While professional dental care can halt the progression of gum disease, severe cases cannot be reversed. Prevention is key. Dr. Pinto recommends these measures:
- Don’t smoke: Tobacco increases the risk of gum disease and mouth cancer.
- Limit alcohol: Chronic alcohol use is linked to gum disease and oral cancers.
- Avoid antibacterial mouthwash: Oral health relies on a balance of bacteria. Use antibacterial rinses only if recommended by your dentist.
- Brush twice daily: Use fluoride toothpaste to maintain healthy enamel.
- Floss daily: If flossing is difficult, use a water pick.
- Eat a healthy diet: Consume foods low in carbohydrates and starches.
- See your dentist regularly: Get your teeth checked and cleaned every six months. Those with gum disease may need more frequent visits.
For those with medical complications from gum disease, University Hospitals offers expert care for conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, and mental health issues.
Taking care of your gums and teeth is vital for your overall health. Prioritize your oral hygiene to protect your smile and your entire body.
https://www.uhhospitals.org/blog/articles/2022/10/how-gum-disease-impacts-your-health