National Gum Care Month: Why Are Healthy Gums So Important?

Four Surprising Health Conditions Associated with Gum Disease

Healthy gums are essential for not just oral health but overall health as well. Unfortunately, many are unaware of gum disease's impact on other health conditions such as diabetes, coronary artery disease, respiratory disease, and rheumatoid arthritis, among others.

Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is a severe infection that damages the soft tissue and, without treatment, can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. As a result, periodontitis can cause teeth to loosen or even lead to tooth loss. While it is largely preventable, periodontitis is quite common, with 47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older having some form of the disease, according to the CDC. This prevalence makes it crucial for all to educate themselves on the connection between gum disease and associated health conditions.

Some of the most common oral health issues seen from individuals who have been diagnosed with gum disease include:

Diabetes: What may be surprising is that those with diabetes also have a higher chance of developing troublesome oral care issues. According to the American Dental Association, 1 in 5 cases of total tooth loss is due to diabetes. This is largely because people with diabetes have a more significant inflammatory response to the bacteria in their mouths.

Coronary Artery Disease: It has also been found that gum disease is associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease. The inflammation in the gums and bacteria caused by gum disease may eventually lead to the narrowing of essential arteries impacting heart health.

Respiratory Disease: Researchers found that improving oral hygiene might reduce the risk of respiratory infection for those at risk. Additionally, the treatment of periodontal diseases may be another way to reduce the incidence of respiratory infections such as pneumonia.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: It has been shown that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and gum disease do have two certain bacteria in common. These germs – including P. gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) – can trigger both periodontal disease and the inflammation found in rheumatoid arthritis.
Periodontitis is typically the result of poor oral hygiene. It is important to brush at least twice a day, floss daily and get regular dental checkups to reduce your chance of developing gum disease and significantly improve your chances of successful treatment for periodontitis.

It is equally as critical that regular communication between patients' medical and dental providers is established early on to prevent these issues from arising or to manage them once present. Dentists should understand a patient's medical history, conditions, and medications to best assess specific treatment modalities to optimize their care and promote their overall health and well-being.

If you notice any symptoms of gum disease, do not wait to act. Instead, make an appointment with your dental care provider as soon as possible.
ProHEALTH Dental's mission and goal are to provide services and education to patients regarding the critical importance of proper oral health care and its impact on systemic health. For more information or to make an appointment, visit www.phdental.com or call 855-PHD-CARE.