Dental Health is Part of Your Overall Health

Diabetes

The health of your mouth and the rest of your body are linked, and there’s an especially strong connection when it comes to diabetes and periodontal disease. For those who are suffering from diabetes, gum disease is often more likely and cases can be more severe.

How is diabetes linked to gum disease?

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when the amount of glucose, or blood sugar, in the body is too high. A hormone known as insulin is responsible for helping the cells in your body to use this glucose for energy. For those with diabetes, the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, so too much glucose stays in the bloodstream.

Inflammation in the mouth, such as the type responsible for periodontal disease, have an impact on the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels as well. This means that people with diabetes, whose bodies are already struggling with processing sugar, can find themselves having an even harder time if they are suffering from gum disease.

This link can go both ways, too, as high blood sugar levels provide an environment that can make gum infections more likely.

Heart Disease & Stroke

The potential links between periodontal disease and heart disease and stroke have been the subject of medical research in recent years. While a clear cause-and-effect relationship has yet to be established, findings lend a lot of credibility to the connection between oral inflammation and cardiovascular disease.

Researchers have found that chronic inflammation in the body is a major contributor to health problems in the body. This means that long-term inflammation, such as that in gum disease, may lead to narrowing or blockages in blood vessels—a situation that can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

In an article that looked at a number of related studies, it was found that having periodontal disease increases a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease by around 20%. One stroke expert reported that periodontal disease could make a person almost twice as likely to experience a stroke.

While research is still ongoing, what’s already been discovered should only put more emphasis on the need for a healthy mouth and gums.

If you have any concerns about the health of your mouth, or if you haven’t had a dental appointment in a while, make sure to get in touch to schedule your next visit.

Pancreatic Cancer

Studies performed at Brown University, Harvard, New York University, and others have looked into the link between gum disease and pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is extremely hard to detect and causes death within six months of diagnosis. It is approximated that pancreatic cancer is responsible for nearly 40,000 deaths per year in the US. So, what is the connection between gum disease and pancreatic cancer?

The connection comes from changes in the microbial mix in your mouth. Those who have porphyromonas gingivalis in their mouth were at a 59% higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer. In addition to prophyromonas gingivalis, those who had aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans were one 50% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer.

While the names may not mean much to the average person, the important thing to understand is that both of these types of bacteria have been tied to gum disease.

Unfortunately, the majority of Americans do not take proper care of their gums. It is reported that nearly half of American adults over the age of 30 have some form of periodontal disease. If you look at Americans over the age of 65, the percentage suffering from periodontal disease increases to 65%. Although not nearly as talked about, gum disease is almost 2.5 times more common than diabetes.

However, there is some good news! Gum disease responds extremely well to treatment and can easily be reversed after detected by your dentist.

Breast Cancer

A study done by the Federal University of Santa Maria Dental School in Brazil found that women with periodontitis are 2-3x more likely to develop breast cancer. In this instance, the researchers believe that breast cancer may be triggered due to systemic inflammation resulting from gum disease.

The study was based on 67 women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and 134 controls from 2013 to 2015. It is important to remember that this study has not proven that gum disease causes breast cancer, but the findings do provide further support for the idea that oral health is vital to our overall wellbeing.

In the United States, for every 100,000 women, there are 124.9 new cases of breast cancer. Breast cancer continues to be studied, and this possible connection to oral health provides another avenue to be explored when learning to treat this type of cancer.

Esophageal Cancer

A 10-year study performed by NYU Langone Health’s Perlmutter Cancer Center has found that two types of bacteria that are present in individuals with gum disease can increase the chances of being affected by esophageal cancer.

The eighth most common type of cancer in the world, esophageal cancer can be highly fatal and is the sixth most common cause of cancer-related deaths. In the US, it affects around 1 in 125 men and 1 in 417 women. The American Cancer Society says that currently, only around 20% of those diagnosed with this form of cancer will live for more than five years following diagnosis.

The study by NYU Langone found that bacteria associated with periodontal (gum) disease can find their way into the upper digestive tract, and in the case of one of the types of bacteria in the study, tannerella forsythia, its presence may increase the chances of this kind of cancer by 21%.

It is important to note that while the bacteria involved demonstrates a link between gum disease and esophageal cancer, it has not yet been proven that periodontal disease directly causes the cancer. However, the connection should be reason enough to reinforce the importance of proper oral hygiene and treatment of gum disease.

Colon Cancer

Gum disease provides a way for oral bacteria to find their way to other parts of the body. According to research done by Virginia tech, this bacteria may facilitate the spread of colon cancer and other types of cancer to other parts of the body.

The bacteria of interest in the study was Fusobacterium nucleatum, which is common in the mouth and has been found to invade tumors in the colon. Daniel Slade, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Virginia Tech Department of Biochemistry explains the importance of the discovery that this type of bacteria may responsible for the spread of cancer in the body: “This is vital information because 90% of cancer-related deaths result from nonprimary tumors or sites that have metastasized to somewhere else in the body.”

In a 2017 study performed on mice, researchers found their first evidence that F nucleatum could be directly responsible for causing cancer in the colon to spread to the liver.

The research team has made examining the role this bacteria plays in the spread of cancer a focus on their treatment. Understanding the process by which this works can help medical experts find a way to inhibit the spread of cancer from one organ to another.

The team’s latest study, “Fusobacterium Nucleatum Host-Cell Binding and Invasion Induces IL-8 and CXCL1 Secretion That Drives Colorectal Cancer Cell Migration” was published in Science Signaling.

While promising for future research into the treatment of cancer, these findings also further highlight the importance of treating gum disease, in order to minimize the presence of oral bacteria in the rest of the body.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

A November 2020 study found more evidence of connections between rheumatoid arthritis and periodontal (gum) disease.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disease, which causes the immune system to mistakenly attack healthy cells of the body. It results in painful swelling of the affected tissues. While RA primarily affects the joints of the body, it can also damage the skin, lungs, heart, blood vessels, and eyes.

How Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Connected to Gum Disease?

Although there’s still more to learn about whether or not one condition could be a cause of the other, past studies have found that people with RA are 8 times more likely to develop gum disease than those without RA. It’s also been found that the type of bacteria that causes periodontal disease, porphyromonas gingivalis, can lead to an earlier onset of RA and make it more severe.

Connections With Cardiovascular Disease

People with rheumatoid arthritis also face elevated risks for cardiovascular disease, which itself has links to periodontal disease.

The November 2020 study in Arthritis & Rheumatology found that a pathogen related to periodontal disease, called aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, “had the strongest associations with atherosclerosis in the patients with rheumatoid arthritis that we studied,” according to Jon T. Giles, MD, MPH, of Columbia University.

While research into the connections between periodontal disease and other diseases continues, this should further reinforce the importance of a healthy mouth. Preventing or treating gum disease may very well prevent or lessen the impact of ailments such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Reproductive Health

It can’t be overstated how much the health of the body is connected to oral health. Research has found that gum health is even linked to sexual and reproductive health.

The plaque that develops as a biofilm in our mouths is made up of bacteria, including these:

• Porphyromonas gingivalis
• Tannerela forsynthia
• Prevotella intermedia
• Aggregatibacter actinimucentemcomitans
• Treponema denticola

Periodontal disease allows these pathogens, which originate in the mouth, to be introduced into the bloodstream. The presence of some of these types of bacteria in the bloodstream is where many of the links between oral health of various other ailments have been discovered. And it isn’t just the bacteria itself, but the resulting inflammatory response and waste products of the bacteria that can cause problems.

Pregnancy and Oral Health

In the case of pregnancy, it’s believed that these pathogens can cause negative outcomes such as low birth weight or premature birth. A few studies have suggested that women suffering from chronic periodontitis may be 4 to 7 times more likely to give birth prematurely.

Women who become pregnant should be aware that hormonal changes make them more susceptible to getting gum disease as well. Gum disease has been linked with preeclampsia, a condition that can damage internal organs such as the kidneys and liver of both the baby and the mother.

Fertility and Periodontal Disease

Along with the impacts on pregnancy, studies have found that gum disease can play a role in fertility, with both male and female fertility being impacted.

One study in Australia found that women with periodontal disease may require two more months to conceive than those without. In men, the bacteria related to gum disease lead to low sperm count, and poor sperm mobility. There appears to be a connection with erectile dysfunction as well, with men who have gum disease being more likely to suffer from ED.

Dementia

According to the National Institutes of Aging, the bacteria responsible for periodontal disease are also associated with the development of dementia (particularly vascular dementia) and Alzheimer’s disease.

We frequently emphasize the importance of oral health and treatment of periodontal/gum disease, as this infection of the tissues surrounding the gums allows bacteria from the mouth to enter the bloodstream and affect other parts of the body.

Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey along with blood tests, the National Institutes of Aging researchers looked at a group of more than 6,000 people to find if the oral bacteria in gum disease could be linked with diagnoses of dementia.

They looked for nineteen different types of oral bacteria, including Porphyromonas gingivalis, which is the most typical type of bacteria found in gum disease. In those who are afflicted by Alzheimer’s, it’s been found that beta-amyloid proteins can clump together to form plaques. A previous study has suggested that these plaques may actually be produced in the body as a response to Porphyromonas gingivalis.

One of the findings was that older adults with gum disease at the start of the study were more likely to develop Alzheimer’s during the course of the study than those who did not have signs of gum infections.

While it appears to be clear that there are connections between dementia and the bacteria found in periodontal disease, researchers are looking into more long-term studies to learn more about this association. The current findings suggest that gum disease may precede cases of dementia, but it’s also known that dementia makes it harder for patients to properly care for their teeth and gums. Further research needs to be done into whether or not treatment of infections of gingivalis can have an impact on Alzheimer’s disease.

Tooth Loss and Cognitive Function

Tooth loss is a common occurrence in adults, especially as they age. While tooth loss has long been associated with impaired chewing function and nutritional deficiencies, recent research has uncovered a potential link between tooth loss and cognitive decline.

Studies have suggested that individuals with fewer than 20 teeth face a greater risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Researchers have examined this association and suggested several mechanisms that may account for this connection.

The Link Between Tooth Loss and Cognitive Decline

One possible mechanism for the connection between tooth loss and cognitive decline is reduced mastication-induced sensor stimulation to the brain. Mastication, or chewing, stimulates the brain by increasing blood flow and oxygen to the brain. A reduction in the number of teeth may lead to reduced stimulation, which could contribute to cognitive decline.

Another possible mechanism is the impact of suboptimal dentition and mastication on nutrition. Poor oral health and tooth loss can affect dietary choices and the ability to eat certain foods, leading to nutrient deficiencies that may have a negative impact on cognitive function.

Periodontal disease may also play a role in cognitive diseases. Studies have shown that periodontal disease can lead to chronic inflammation, which has been linked to cognitive decline and dementia.

What the Research Says

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in JDR Clinical & Translational Research examined the association between tooth loss and cognitive function. The researchers reviewed 1,251 articles published between 1990 and 2014 and chose 10 for their systematic review and 8 for their meta-analysis.

Tooth loss was the primary oral health indicator in all of these studies, and cognitive function was ascertained during follow-ups ranging from 4 to 32 years. The researchers noted limitations in their meta-analysis, such as the considerable variation in outcome measures and how they were reported. They also expressed caution in interpreting data due to the risk of bias and methodological quality.

Despite these limitations, the researchers concluded that there is a need for further research to identify the biologic basis for the association between tooth loss and cognitive decline. Additionally, they suggested that oral health strategies may reduce the risk of systemic disease.

Treatment Options for Tooth Loss

Dental implants, implant-retained dentures, and all-on-4 are among the treatment options for tooth loss. Dental implants are a popular choice for many patients because they offer a permanent solution to tooth loss. Implant-retained dentures are an option for patients who may not be good candidates for dental implants. All-on-4 is a technique that uses just four dental implants to support a full arch of teeth.

While these treatments can improve chewing function and quality of life, their impact on cognitive function remains to be studied. However, it is clear that maintaining good oral health and seeking prompt treatment for tooth loss can have a positive impact on overall health and well-being.

Conclusion

Tooth loss may be associated with a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia, though more research is needed to fully understand this connection. The mechanisms linking tooth loss and cognitive decline are not fully understood, but reduced mastication-induced sensor stimulation to the brain, poor nutrition, and periodontal disease may play a role.

While treatment options such as dental implants and all-on-4 can improve chewing function and quality of life, their impact on cognitive function remains to be studied. Nevertheless, maintaining good oral health and seeking prompt treatment for tooth loss can have a positive impact on overall health and well-being.

Respiratory Disease

Respiratory disease can also be referred to as pulmonary disease or lung disorder. These are conditions that affect the lungs and have an impact on breathing. Some forms of respiratory disease may be caused by air pollution or tobacco smoking, while others are the result of infection.

How is respiratory disease connected with gum disease?

We normally think of periodontal disease as a localized infection of the gums and connective tissues in the mouth, but researchers are finding more evidence to link it to respiratory diseases, either playing a possible role in the contraction of the illness or in increasing its severity.

Respiratory diseases with links to periodontal disease include:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Pneumonia
• Bronchitis
• Emphysema

Gum disease and pneumonia

Pneumonia is a type of inflammation of the lungs caused by infection by bacteria, viruses, or fungus, though bacterial infections are the most common. The disease results from these infections making it to the lower part of the airway.

In healthy people, the body has defense mechanisms that prevent bacteria from the mouth from being able to reach places far into the lungs, but there are instances where this can be impaired, such as malnutrition, diabetes, or smoking.

In an examination of patients with pneumonia undergoing care in an ICU, it was found that patients who had dental plaque upon their admission to the ICU, or within the first five days of their stay, were 10 times as likely to develop pneumonia as those who were plaque-free.

In a two-year study of nursing home patients, one group was given routine toothbrushing by a caregiver as well as weekly professional care for plaque and tartar. At the end of the study, it was found that the group receiving oral care had fewer cases of pneumonia (11% vs 19%) and lower instances of pneumonia-related mortality (8% vs 16%).

The Link Between COPD and Gum Disease

What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung diseases that make it difficult to breathe. The two main types of COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic bronchitis is defined as a long-term cough with mucus production, while emphysema is characterized by damage to the air sacs in the lungs.

COPD and Gum Disease

Recently, there has been a growing body of evidence indicating a link between periodontal disease and COPD. Studies have found that individuals with periodontal disease have a higher risk of developing COPD, and conversely, individuals with COPD are at an increased risk of developing periodontal disease.

The exact mechanisms by which periodontal disease and COPD are related are still not fully understood. However, several theories have been proposed. For example, it has been suggested that the oral bacteria that cause periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream and be carried to the lungs, where they may contribute to the development of COPD. Additionally, individuals with COPD often have weakened immune systems, which can make it more difficult for them to fight off oral infections, such as periodontal disease.

Regardless of the exact mechanisms by which they are related, the association between periodontal disease and COPD is becoming increasingly clear. Several studies have found that treating periodontal disease can improve symptoms of COPD and vice versa. As a result, it is just another reason why caring for oral health, and treating gum disease in particular, is important for overall health.

Osteoporosis

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones involving the reduction of bone mineral density and mass. These changes in bones can cause them to become more fragile and put them at greater risk of breaks or fractures.

Considered a “silent” illness because of the subtlety of, or lack of, any noticeable symptoms, many people who suffer from osteoporosis are not even aware that they have it until they break a bone. However, osteoporosis is the leading cause of bone fractures in older men and women.

How Is Osteoporosis Related to Oral Health?

When considering osteoporosis in the context of oral health, the potential connection to periodontal disease is that one that interests researchers. Periodontal disease, or gum disease, if left unchecked, can lead to the loss of the bone and connective tissues that hold teeth in place. Since both diseases can have an impact on bone, the interaction between the two is something that needs to be better understood.

Research is currently inconclusive when it comes to whether or not having osteoporosis can lead to an increase in the chances of developing gum disease, however, for those who are suffering from gum disease and osteoporosis, data indicates that there is a higher chance of seeing deterioration in the alveolar bone which hold teeth in place.

For this reason, it is a good idea to let your dentist know if you have osteoporosis, especially if you are currently being treated for, or at risk of developing gum disease, as the condition may cause periodontal disease to progress more quickly.

What Are the Symptoms of Osteoporosis?

In the US, it’s estimated that about 54 million people have osteoporosis. Bone mineral density tests ordered by your healthcare provider are the typical way that the disease is diagnosed. There aren’t any overt symptoms to look for, which is why, for many, bone fractures are the most obvious indicator, however, some things to watch out for include:

• Reduction in height
• Change in posture
• Reduction in lung capacity
• Pain in the lower back

How Can Osteoporosis Be Avoided?

Recommended steps to take to lower your chances of developing osteoporosis include:

• Getting regular exercise
• Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamin D and calcium
• Avoiding smoking
• Avoiding excessive alcohol use

Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects approximately 10% of the adult population globally, and its prevalence is increasing. Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is a common oral health problem that affects up to 50% of adults worldwide. Recent studies have linked these two seemingly unrelated conditions, suggesting that gum disease may contribute to the development and progression of kidney disease. In this article, we’ll explore what researchers have discovered and why it’s crucial to prioritize gum disease prevention and treatment for overall health.

What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?

Chronic kidney disease is a condition in which the kidneys gradually lose function over time. It occurs when the kidneys are damaged and cannot filter blood properly. As a result, waste and fluids build up in the body, leading to a range of health problems. CKD is often progressive, meaning it gets worse over time, and can eventually lead to kidney failure.

Researchers have found that gum disease and CKD are linked, and there are several theories as to why.

The Link Between Gum Disease and Kidney Disease

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology found that people with gum disease are more likely to have CKD than those without gum disease. The researchers analyzed data from over 7,000 participants and found that those with severe gum disease were nearly three times more likely to have CKD than those without gum disease. This link persisted even after adjusting for other factors such as age, sex, smoking, and diabetes.

Another study published in the Journal of Dental Research found that there is a biological imbalance that links gum and kidney disease. The researchers found that a chemical called uremic toxin, which accumulates in the blood of people with kidney disease, can worsen gum disease by increasing inflammation and promoting bacterial growth. This means that gum disease could be both a cause and a consequence of kidney disease.

A third study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology found that periodontitis is linked to higher kidney disease mortality. The researchers analyzed data from over 4,000 participants and found that those with severe gum disease had a higher risk of dying from kidney disease than those without gum disease. This suggests that gum disease may contribute to the progression of kidney disease and its complications.

What You Can Do to Prevent Gum Disease and Kidney Disease

The good news is that gum disease is preventable and treatable. Maintaining good oral hygiene, such as brushing twice a day and flossing daily, can help prevent gum disease. It’s also important to visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. If you have symptoms of gum disease, such as swollen, bleeding, or tender gums, bad breath, or loose teeth, it’s important to seek treatment promptly.

In addition to good oral hygiene, there are several things you can do to lower your risk of kidney disease. These include managing blood pressure and blood sugar levels if you have diabetes, maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and not smoking.

Conclusion

The research linking gum disease and kidney disease is still in its early stages, but the evidence so far suggests that there is a significant connection between the two. It’s crucial to prioritize gum disease prevention and treatment for overall health, especially if you have risk factors for kidney disease. Remember to maintain good oral hygiene, visit your dentist regularly, and seek treatment promptly if you have symptoms of gum disease. By taking care of your oral health, you can help protect your overall health and reduce your risk of kidney disease.