Gum Disease Affects Health

Thoughts to Chew On

Monica Fisher, DDS, Ph.D.
American Council on Science and Health

Gum disease has been overshadowed as a risk factor in heart disease and other health problems by more commonly acknowledged factors such as smoking, cholesterol, lack of exercise, and obesity. But in several studies gum disease has indeed been linked to heart problems, as well as arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), poor blood sugar control in diabetics, low birth weight in premature babies, and pneumonia.

Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the Unites States, and various studies have shown a strong link between gum disease and heart disease, even after the most common risk factors for coronary problems had been taken into account.

Recent studies reporting the link between the severity of gum disease (measured by amount of jaw bone loss) and risk of heart disease, identified gum disease as a previously-unrecognized risk factor for heart disease and hardening of the arteries. Gum disease leading to severe periodontal (jaw) bone loss increased the risk of death from heart disease.

Though it is not yet known whether gum disease actually causes heart disease, this possibility is currently being investigated. One hypothesis is that bacteria from dental plaque (tooth debris) enter the circulation and lodge in blood vessels, where they participate in producing atherosclerotic plaque (fatty deposits).

Dr. George Taylor at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry notes, "Diabetes is common in the U.S. It has long been known that diabetes increases the risk of gum disease. But in recent studies gum disease was found to increase the risk of poor blood sugar control in diabetes."

Even though the mechanism to explain this link has not yet been identified, physicians should be aware of the signs of severe gum disease when managing diabetics. Support for this recommendation is found in the results of a randomized clinical trial which found that diabetic patients who had been given antibiotics for gum disease showed improvement in blood sugar control.

Low birth weight is a significant cause of perinatal disease and death, and women with severe gum disease have an increased risk of bearing premature, low birth-weight infants. This is a previously-unrecognized and clinically important risk. Some researchers suggest that the inflamed gums contain chemicals that can enter the blood stream, then cross the placenta to bring about early labor.

Pneumonia is a common cause of disease and death among elderly persons, either hospitalized or in nursing homes. The elderly and medically compromised are at risk of developing pneumonia by aspirating (inhaling) bacteria from the mouth and throat. It is thought that when oral hygiene is poor, dental plaque (tooth debris) builds up, creating a dangerous source of bacteria that can be inhaled into the lungs. One hospital study actually found that using mouthwash decreased the mortality rate from post-surgical pneumonia in patients who had had open heart surgery. But further study on pneumonia is needed to support this finding.

Though it is not yet clear whether gum disease actively contributes to these general health problems, it is prudent to maintain good oral health by having regular dental check-ups, brushing and flossing.