Gum disease & total body heath

Gum disease affect more than just your mouth…

Gum disease is a condition that as many as 85% of Americans suffer with, and yet peoples’ reaction to finding out they have it is often underwhelming. What many people aren’t aware of is the connection between gum disease and countless other serious conditions. Learning about the links between gum disease and these other “scarier” diseases, as well as the overall importance of oral health, is key to ensuring people change their lifestyle habits to improve their gums and general health.

Here are a few of the connections that have been suggested between gum disease and other illnesses and conditions.

Heart disease

According to the Heart Foundation, heart disease is the number one cause of death for men and women in the U.S. Studies also point to a link between gum disease and heart disease.

Stroke

Researchers in Germany found in a 2004 study that gum disease increased the risk of an ischemic stroke in patients with severe periodontitis.

Cancer

Research suggests that periodontal disease and some forms of cancer are associated as well.

Diabetes

Research has shown that people with diabetes are more likely to develop severe gum disease, causing more tooth loss than those without it.

Alzheimer’s and dementia

According to research, having advanced gum disease may increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Pregnancy complications & birth defects

Studies have shown that women with severe gum disease left untreated during pregnancy are more susceptible to having early labor.

Respiratory disease

Gum disease has been linked to three respiratory diseases – pneumonia, acute bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Rheumatoid arthritis

People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) had eight times the odds of developing gum disease as compared with people without RA.

Erectile dysfunction

The Journal of Sexual Medicine published a study that showed 53% of male patients with Erectile Dysfunction (ED) also suffered severe gum disease.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis and periodontitis are both common diseases that affect your body’s bone structure.

Obesity

Research from June 2016 conducted by researchers at The University of Adelaide, South Australia presented a study that link obesity and gum disease.

COVID-19

As the SAR-CoV-2 virus continues to impact the world, startling new research shows that patients with periodontitis are 9 times more likely to die of coronavirus.

Other diseases that have had a suggested connection to gum disease include osteoperosis, Alzheimer’s and dementia, respiratory disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

More scientific research is needed to determine if there is a cause-and-effect relationship between the systemic diseases and gum disease inflammation. It is clear by any measure, however, that gum disease isn’t helping the situation in any of these systemic conditions. There is a relationship between the gum disease and these diseases, even if it’s limited to the fact that people who have gum disease tend to have an unhealthy lifestyle that contributes to these conditions.

The good news is that moderate to severe periodontal disease is treatable. Traditional surgery has long been the only option. However, the FDA cleared the LANAP® protocol as a laser surgery option that facilitates a less painful, more successful treatment with a shorter recovery time. (For more information on the FDA-cleared LANAP® protocol, visit www.LANAP.com.) If you currently suffer from one of these systemic conditions, ask your dentist if you are at risk for gum disease and what treatment is right for you.