Gum Disease and Your General Health

If you have or might have periodontal disease, also sometimes called “gum and bone” disease, we know that you are at risk for other health problems.  For instance, researchers have now shown us that untreated gum and bone disease directly increases your risk for heart disease and strokes.  The bacteria under your infected gums release toxins into your bloodstream that ultimately travel to the heart.

​According to one theory, when the bacteria travel into the blood stream, the microbes attach to fatty plaque in the blood vessels of the heart.  The artery walls thicken with the buildup of fatty proteins, ultimately causing clots to form. When your normal blood flow is restricted by clotting, the heart’s function is impaired, keeping it from taking in oxygen and nutrients as efficiently. As heart function gradually diminishes, a diseased condition eventually develops that can eventually lead to a heart attack.  Even the slightest amount of gum inflammation in your mouth causes bacteria to enter the bloodstream that can cause all of these problems.

Diabetics are more prone to periodontal disease.  If left untreated, gum disease makes it harder for diabetics to control their blood sugar.  When gum disease is eliminated, diabetics improve their blood sugar control and make diabetic complications less likely.  And with diabetes, it’s kind of a two way street.  Periodontal disease makes it harder to control blood sugar levels (making diabetes worse), and diabetic patients have a harder time fighting off infection when it occurs, including periodontal disease.

Gastric ulcers are caused by bacteria.  When your gums are inflamed, bacteria from the mouth can travel to the stomach and cause ulcers to become active.  If you have been treated for ulcers, you should make sure your gums are as inflammation free as possible.

Several other health conditions can make you more prone to periodontal disease, including:

1. Tobacco use is the most significant risk factor for gum disease.  When nicotine is in the blood stream, it decreases your body’s ability to fight off infection, including periodontal disease.
2. Obesity:  Being overweight has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and gum disease.
3. Rheumatoid Arthritis:  The causes of gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis may be related.  One doesn’t cause the other, but when one is present, the other is more likely to be going on.
4. Osteoporosis:  Osteoporosis can affect the jaw bone.  If you have osteoporosis, you are more likely to lose teeth if you allow gum disease to persist.
5. Medications:  A side effect of some medications can cause changes in your gums.  The seizure medication Dilantin causes gum tissue to become fibrous and overgrown unless home care is exceptional.  Many blood pressure medicines make it easier for gums to bleed.
6. Stress:  Major stressors have a very definite affect on your immune system.  If your immune system doesn’t stay healthy, it can’t fight off the bacteria that causes periodontal disease.
7. Contagious contact:  The bacteria that cause periodontal disease is mildly contagious.  If anyone in your family is treated for periodontal disease, other family members should also be checked.

If you have conditions that make you more prone to periodontal disease, why not give us a call today?  Contact us at 606.845.2273, or toll-free at 888.917.2273.  Click here for a special offer for new patients in our practice.