4 Health conditions linked to Gum Disease

Table of Content

• Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

• Gum disease and its association with lung diseases

• Gum disease and its association with heart diseases

• Gum disease and its association with Cognitive Function

• Gum disease and its association with Cancer

• Other Health conditions associated with Gum disease

• How to Maintain Good Oral Hygiene?

• When to See a Doctor?

• Take-Home Points

• FAQ on 4 health conditions linked to Gum Disease

Introduction

Gum disease begins with plaque formation, a sticky bacteria film that develops on teeth. Gum becomes swollen, sore and infected which is called Gingivitis. 

Periodontal disease, also known as Gum disease, is quite common, and the mechanism of it is well understood. Recent research has shown that Gum disease can also play a role in the development of other health conditions.

In this blog, we'll cover four health conditions that are linked to Gum disease. We'll delve deeper into what is the connection between these diseases and Gum disease.

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

Plaques which are formed at the beginning of Gum disease lead to Gingivitis. Gingivitis, if left untreated can lead to Periodontal disease.

Gums become loose around the tooth, creating a pocket that eventually deepens. Some of the early clues of Periodontal disease that one can look for so that necessary action can be taken at the right time:

• Redness, swollen and tender gums

• Gums will bleed easily

• Pus is present between teeth and gums

• Halitosis(bad breath)

• Tartar buildup(brown deposits along gums)

Gum disease and its association with lung diseases

The mouth is a common link between the lungs and the gums. Recent research has developed a connection between chronic gum disease and reduced respiratory function. Research has also shown that even after controlling smoking and other variables, if gum disease persisted then respiratory function remained reduced.

The link between gum disease and lung conditions can be summarised as: 

• Pneumonia: The bacteria present in the mouth can be aspirated into the lungs causing pneumonia and acute bronchitis.

• Lung cancer: Studies have also shown a significant link between periodontal disease and lung cancer. The exact mechanism of how gum disease leads to lung disease is not well understood.

• COPD: Inflammation can cause respiratory tubes to become narrower and restrict airflow. This leads to difficulty in breathing, causing chronic obstructive lung disease. 

Gum disease and its association with heart diseases

Plaques are made up of cholesterol, fat, calcium and other substances that can build up in arteries(atherosclerosis) which are responsible for heart diseases. 

Researchers have shown that people with gum disease are at higher risk of developing heart diseases such as stroke and heart attack. Studies have also shown that people with Periodontal disease have an increased risk of a first heart attack.

The reasons for this can be summarised as:

• Inflammation: Gum disease increases the burden of inflammation in our body. Acute inflammation causes immune cells to attack microbial invaders and irritants but chronic inflammation is a contributor to conditions like atherosclerosis. Systemic inflammation caused by chronic gum disease causes the body to produce hyper-responsive neutrophils(a type of WBC), these types of neutrophils can damage the arteries causing atherosclerosis. 

• Bacteria: Bacterial migration can take place like in the case of pneumonia, from mouth to lungs. In the same way, bacteria can enter the blood and can cause problems.

Gum disease and its association with Cognitive Function

A study showed that people with chronic gum disease have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Gum disease also causes a decline in cognitive ability.

• Bacteria: Earlier it was thought that the bacteria P. gingivalis common in chronic gum disease was responsible for Alzheimer’s disease in people with gum disease. Gingipains, enzymes that are responsible for preventing immune response to clear infection in gum disease are also found responsible.

• Systemic inflammation: it is not exactly clear whether it is not clear whether it is systemic inflammation or the bacteria that is causing the problem.

Gum disease and its association with Cancer

Gum disease is linked with the development of different types of cancers. People with gum disease have a higher risk of developing oral cancer, oesophagal cancer, stomach cancer or pancreatic cancer. 

It is not clear why this happens, this could be due to inflammation, as both Periodontal disease and cancer are inflammatory conditions.

Other Health conditions associated with Gum disease

There are several other health conditions that are linked with gum disease like,

• Erectile dysfunction

• Type 2 diabetes

• Endocarditis

• Pregnancy and birth complications like premature birth and low birth weight.

• Osteoporosis

How to Maintain Good Oral Hygiene?

Practising good oral hygiene is important to prevent gum disease and its associated complications and diseases. While some risk factors for gum disease can’t be changed (such as your genetics), you can change your lifestyle to reduce your overall risk

• Brush your teeth twice daily and use a soft-bristled brush

• Use fluoride toothpaste

• Flossing daily

• Use mouthwash to remove particles which are left even after brushing and flossing

• Limit sugar intake

• Eating a healthy diet

• Regular dental checkups

• Avoid smoking, alcohol and tobacco use

When to See a Doctor?

If you're experiencing any of the symptoms of gum disease like bad breath, gum bleeds, plaque buildup, toothache etc. It is important to Consult a dentist before the problem complicates into Periodontal disease. 

If you have other conditions like diabetes, pneumonia, COPD, or any other systemic health conditions along with gum disease, it is important to consult your healthcare provider or dentist as soon as possible.

These conditions can make gum disease worse, and gum disease can also worsen these conditions, creating a cycle of worsening health. It is important to seek medical attention to help manage these conditions and prevent further complications.

Take-Home Points

• Gum disease begins with a sticky, bacteria film called plaque build-up on teeth.

• Recent research has shown that Gum disease can also play a role in the development of other health conditions.

• Symptoms of Gum Disease include Redness, swollen and tender gums, bleeding gums, Pus between teeth and gums, Halitosis(bad breath), and Tartar buildup(brown deposits along gums).

• There is a connection between chronic gum disease and reduced respiratory function. Even after controlling smoking and other variables, if gum disease persisted then respiratory function remained reduced.

• People with gum disease are at more risk of developing heart diseases such as stroke and heart attack. 

• People with Periodontal disease have an increased risk of a first heart attack.

• People with chronic gum disease have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Gum disease also causes a decline in cognitive ability.

• Gum disease is linked with the development of oral cancer, oesophagal cancer, stomach cancer or pancreatic cancer.

• Apart from these gum disease is also associated with type 2 diabetes, erectile dysfunction, endocarditis, osteoporosis, pregnancy and birth complications

• It is important to maintain oral hygiene to prevent these conditions and also Gum disease.

• Brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing, limiting sugar intake, and eating healthy are some of the ways that can help maintain good oral hygiene.