Gum disease is linked to many other diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and respiratory infections.
The mouth provides an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria, as it is a dark and warm place, and the foods and drinks we eat provide nutrients that help their growth.
And when harmful bacteria accumulate, you are at risk of developing gum disease, an infection that affects the gums and bone around the teeth, and may develop into periodontitis, a condition that can cause the destruction of the bones around the teeth, and when this happens, bacteria move from the surface of the gums and teeth to the bloodstream, And then it reaches the organs of the body.
Ananda P Dasanayake, professor of epidemiology at New York University School of Dentistry, said V A New York Times report On topic This spread of infection can happen while brushing your teeth or flossing, or if you have a cut in your mouth.
Kimberly Bray, a professor of dental hygiene at the University of Missouri, warned against leaving gum infections untreated because some of the proteins responsible for this inflammation can spread throughout the body and can harm other body organs.
Among the most common gum-related diseases is diabetes, and the relationship here is mutual, as gum disease increases the risk of developing diabetes, and vice versa.
And oral diseases are also linked to pneumonia. Dr. Frank Scannapico, professor of oral biology at the University at Buffalo Dental School, says that if large amounts of bacteria are inhaled from the mouth, and settle in the lungs, this can lead to bacterial pneumonia.
A study involving international experts, in 2020, found a significant link between periodontitis, heart attacks, stroke, clogged arteries and other cardiovascular diseases.
Some studies indicate that gum bacteria may move to the arteries of vascular patients, which may play a role in the development of the disease.
A 2012 statement from the American Heart Association confirmed that gum infections are linked to poor heart health.
Some research suggests that oral cleaning is linked to lower rates of heart disease.
A study of nearly 250,000 people in South Korea in 2019 found that those who brush their teeth regularly are less likely to develop cardiovascular disease.
There is also evidence that gum disease is linked to Alzheimer’s, as studies have monitored oral bacteria in the tissues of Alzheimer’s patients, according to Dr. Scannapico.
And found Scientific review It is reported that periodontal disease is a factor in Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
The New York Times report indicates that oral bacteria are linked to arthritis and osteoporosis, and there are emerging studies on its association with kidney and liver diseases, and colorectal and breast cancer, but more research is still needed to confirm these links.
As for what to do, Dr. Scannapico advises following traditional dental care advice such as brushing and flossing your teeth daily.
He called for being proactive in dealing with oral health, just as we do with exercise or diet.
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