Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, now the most common cause of tooth loss in adults affects about 75% of the population in North America. In early stages, harmful bacteria around and under the gums cause an infection called gingivitis, resulting in areas that are red and swollen.
Tiny ulcerations in the gingiva (gums) allow bacteria to enter the blood stream and travel throughout the body. Many patients who need treatment for gingivitis return year after year for their scheduled dental cleaning without any improvement in the bleeding.
Oral-Systemic Health Risks
As the disease progresses, it begins to destroy the bone and soft tissues that support the teeth. This is a serious infection and may end in tooth loss. Bacteria continue to enter into the blood stream and infect other areas such as the heart.
Since our white blood cells release chemicals to destroy the bacteria, these chemical substances are also sent throughout the body. The presence of these chemicals in the blood stream increases the risk for atherosclerosis and heart problems, pneumonia, low birth weight babies, diabetes and some cancers.
The Mouth-Body Connection
New information about the “oral-systemic link” or “mouth-body” connection is changing the way dentists, physicians and patients view gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Gum disease is now considered to be a medical condition that only dental professionals can treat. That’s because these pathogenic bacteria travel from the oral cavity and throughout the body infecting many organs which causes systemic illnesses such as heart attacks, Alzheimer’s Disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. If your gums bleed, you are at risk.
Family history and changes in diet and lifestyle do not fully account for the development of many serious medical conditions. We now know that inflammation caused by oral bacteria is also involved.
That’s because certain oral bacteria generate a destructive immune response or inflammatory response that elevates systemic inflammation. What’s more, it is now believed that gingivitis may be as damaging as full-blown periodontitis. Here’s why:
- Anti-Inflammatory substances are produced by the immune defense system and these chemicals find their way to other parts of the body.
- These anti-inflammatory substances are the triggers that increase chronic systemic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and cancers.
- As the stages of periodontal infection continue, gums bleed and open tiny ulcerations that allow bacteria to enter the blood stream and travel throughout our body. This stimulates white blood cells to fight the invasion of microorganisms.
- Chemicals intended to destroy the invading bacteria are released into the blood stream, but these same chemicals can also damage the healthy tissues as well.
Therefore, it is increasingly apparent that we must adopt new approaches to the treatment and control of gingivitis and periodontal disease. Your oral health and hygiene appointments are an important factor in your overall health!