Here are some of the common health conditions associated with gum disease and how they are related.
1. Alzheimer’s disease
Several large studies and meta-analyses agree that moderate or severe gum disease is significantly associated with dementia. For example, one study showed that having chronic gum disease for ten or more years was associated with a 70% higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s than those who do not. Research has also shown a link between gum disease and a sixfold drop in cognitive ability.
At first, it was thought that bacteria were directly responsible for this connection. P. gingivalisbacteria that are common in chronic gum disease, were found in brains of people who had died of Alzheimer’s disease. They also found toxic bacterial enzymes called gingipains, which are thought to worsen gum disease by blocking the immune response from extinguishing and thereby prolongs inflammation.
However, it is not certain whether the bacteria in the brain, modified immune response or other factors – such as damage from systemic inflammation – explain the link. But taking care of your oral health could be one way reduce the risk Alzheimer’s disease.
2. Cardiovascular diseases
Cardiovascular disease is also consistently linked to gum disease.
In a large study of over 1,600 people over the age of 60, gum disease was linked to a nearly 30% higher risk first heart attack. This relationship remained even after the researchers adjusted for other conditions (such as diabetes and asthma) or lifestyle habits (such as smoking, education and marriage) known to increase heart attack risk.
More recently, studies have also shown that the systemic inflammation caused by chronic gum disease causes the body’s stem cells to produce hyper-responsive group of neutrophils (a type of early defense white blood cell). These cells can damage the lining of the arteries by destroying the cells that line the arteries – causing plaque buildup.
3. Type 2 diabetes
Gingivitis is a known complication of type 2 diabetes, and chronic gum disease increases the risk of development of type 2 diabetes.
The processes linking the two diseases are the focus of much research, and it is possible that the inflammation caused by each condition affects the other. For example, type 2 diabetes increases the risk of gingivitis increasing inflammation on the gums. Gum disease has also been shown to contribute to impaired insulin signaling and insulin resistance – both of which can make type 2 diabetes worse.
Enough clinical tests have shown that an intensive dental cleaning can improve blood sugar control in diabetic patients for several months, further demonstrating the link between the two diseases.
4. Cancers
Gum disease is also linked to a higher risk of developing many types of cancer. For example, patients who reported having a history of gingivitis they were shown to have a 43% greater risk of esophageal cancer and a 52% greater risk of stomach cancer. Other research also reported that people with chronic gum disease had each other 14-20% higher risk the development of any type of cancer. The same study also showed a 54% higher risk pancreatic cancer.
It is not clear why this relationship exists. Some believe it has to do with inflammation, which is a factor in both gum disease and Cancer. Inflammation disrupts the environment cells need to stay healthy and function properly and is a factor in the development of both gingivitis and tumor growth.
Improving gum health
Gum disease can be prevented and reversed in the early stages.
While some risk factors for gum disease can’t be changed (like your genetics), you can change your lifestyle to lower your overall risk. For example, eating less sugar, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and reducing stress can all help. It’s also important to know that certain medications (such as certain antidepressants and high blood pressure medications) can decrease saliva production, which can increase your risk of gingivitis. People taking these medications should take extra precautions, such as using special gels or sprays to increase saliva production or being extra careful when brushing their teeth.
Of course, the most important things you can do to protect yourself from gum disease (and subsequently your overall health) are to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and avoid using mouthwash after brushing – and be careful not to rinse after brushing to let the fluoride remain on your teeth. Interdental cleaning at home (such as flossing) and regular visits to the dentist will also help you keep your oral health in check.
This article is republished from The conversation with a Creative Commons license. Read it original article.
Christine Bryson works part-time for Floe Oral Care.
