The Effects Of Gum Disease On The Body

Gingivitis and periodontitis not only affect the gums, but could also have a significant impact on our overall health.

Patients are now more widely aware of gum disease and the harm that it can do to oral health including unpleasant symptoms such as inflamed and bleeding gums or bad breath. It is also becoming increasingly likely that this is not the only effect that it has, and that our overall health can also be harmed by it too.

It should be noted that some research into the following issues is still in progress so more information may come to light along the way. For now though, it seems very likely that gingivitis and especially periodontitis, may play a role in the following health issues.

Chronic systemic inflammation

While inflammation caused by gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, is usually localised to the gums, periodontitis is believed to be capable of causing inflammation in other areas of the body. This occurs when inflammatory aspects of periodontitis enter the bloodstream and can lead to inflammation within the body, which is considered to potentially play a role in some chronic diseases.

Cardiovascular disease

This particular issue is one that is discussed a lot when it comes to its relationship to gum disease, and specifically periodontitis. It believed that bacteria from the infected gums can find its way into the bloodstream and consequently cause inflammation. This in turn may lead to hardening and/or narrowing of the arteries. This particular issue is known to be a contributing factor to issues such as strokes, heart disease, high blood pressure; all of which potentially increase the risk of heart attacks.

Other factors, such as diet and smoking, will of course play a role here too but while gum disease may not directly cause these problems, it can certainly be a contributing factor; yet another reason why attention should be paid to the gums, including regular professional cleaning by the hygienist at Bradley and Partners Dental & Implant Clinic in Canterbury.

Diabetes

This is an interesting one, as many of our patients will already be aware of the fact that people with diabetes are already at a greater risk of gum disease due to their compromised immune system. What is perhaps less well known is that periodontitis, and perhaps to a lesser extent, gingivitis, make it more difficult to control the level of blood sugars in the body. It is thought that this may be due to the inflammation that can be associated with gum disease increasing insulin resistance, thereby presenting an increasing problem of managing the disease.

Complications in pregnancy

Studies are still ongoing into this issue, as they are with some others mentioned in today’s blog. In this instance, it is thought that the presence of periodontitis may affect low birth weight in particular. This is thought to be due to the bacteria in periodontitis causing the rest of the body to act differently and potentially affecting the outcome of the pregnancy. It is well known that pregnant women are more susceptible to gum disease due to hormone changes and this may well be linked, although studies are not yet complete.

Respiratory complications

While this is perhaps less likely to affect a healthy individual, it could prove to be potentially harmful to older people and those who already have underlying health issues. It is thought that periodontitis may lead to an increased number of problems such as COPD and pneumonia. It is thought that this might occur when bacteria from periodontal disease is inhaled into the lungs.

Healing issues

When our bodies are attacked, our immune response kicks in. This helps us to fight off illnesses that could become quite serious otherwise. For instance, people often believe that the coughing up of phlegm when we are ill is caused by the virus itself but is in fact, largely our body’s immune system fighting off the virus. The same thing happens with gum disease, although often without the same dramatic effect. It does mean though that if we have gum disease, and especially for a period of time, some of our immune resources have to spend time fighting this and may therefore be depleted a little if we also become ill. This could lead to a slowing down of the healing process which could also, potentially, lead to complications.

Dementia

While not yet proven, there is a strong feeling that dementia, Alzheimer’s and the like may be brought on at least partially through a link with gum disease. Associated issues such as inflammation and spread of bacteria are being considered as factors in this. While, as we have already mentioned, much of this is currently in the research phase, it does seem at least likely that some links will be proven. As gum disease also causes other problems, both with our teeth becoming loose or even leading to tooth loss, and also unpleasant symptoms such as halitosis and bleeding gums, it makes sense to deal with this issue before it starts.

Good home brushing and flossing are essential and you should also see our Canterbury dental hygienist for advice and a professional clean every six months or so. If you do not, it may be more than your teeth and gums that will suffer.

To make an appointment at Bradley and Partners Dental & Implant Clinic, please call us today on 01227 463529.