Three Health Issues That Are Unexpectedly Linked to Gum Disease

Your mouth is part of your body — so it makes sense that problems in your mouth can affect the rest of you. In fact, research over the past 20 years has shown strong links between gum disease and health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and even complications during pregnancy.

WORDS LIM TECK CHOON

FEATURED EXPERT DR ANDREW CHAN KIENG HOCK Dental Surgeon Klinik Pergigian Ooi Dan Rakan

GUM DISEASE: AN OVERVIEW

Gum disease is one of the most common oral health problems, and it is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults around the world.

In Malaysia, the National Oral Health Survey for Adults 2010 found that about 94% of people aged 15 and above had some form of gum disease, with around 18% having severe cases.

Dr Andrew Chan Keing Hock shares that there are two main types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis.

• Gingivitis is the milder form, where the gums become red and swollen but the tissues holding your teeth in place are not yet damaged.
• If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more serious condition where the bone, ligaments, and tissues supporting your teeth start breaking down.
• However, with early and proper treatment, gingivitis can be reversed before it advances to the periodontitis stage.

Early warning signs and symptoms of gum disease are:

• Bleeding gums while brushing, flossing or eating
• Red and swollen gums
• Persistent bad breath

HOW GUM DISEASE IS LINKED TO HEART DISEASE

Dr Andrew tells us that many scientific studies have concluded that patients with gum disease or periodontal disease are 2 to 3 times more at risk of getting heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular complications.

• There are more than 500 species of bacteria residing inside our mouth in the form of biofilm and plaque.
• Harmful bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body.
• When they reach the blood vessels — including those in the heart — they can cause inflammation.
• Over time, this can lead to the buildup of fatty deposits called plaque in the blood vessels, making them narrower and reducing blood flow.
• If a blood vessel gets completely blocked or a plaque ruptures, it can trigger a heart attack or stroke.

HOW GUM DISEASE IS LINKED TO DIABETES

If you have diabetes, you’re more likely to develop gum disease.

Conversely, if you have severe gum disease, it can make it harder to control your blood sugar levels.

This is because gum infections trigger inflammation in the body, which worsens insulin resistance especially in people with type 2 diabetes.

However, studies have shown that treating gum disease can help improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.

“Of course, other factors like obesity, poor diet, and lack of exercise also increase the risk of diabetes,” says Dr Andrew.

“That’s why managing your health, including your oral health, is an important part of living well with diabetes,” he adds.

THE PREGNANCY LINK

Dr Andrew reveals that studies have found that pregnant women with severe gum disease are several times more likely to have a premature or underweight baby compared to those with healthy gums.

This is because gum infections trigger inflammation in the body, which can lead to early contractions and other complications during pregnancy.

If you’re expecting, hence it’s a good idea to keep up with dental check-ups and treat any gum problems early.

THE TAKEAWAY MESSAGE

Gum disease doesn’t just affect your mouth. It can impact your overall health too.

The good news is that gum disease is both preventable and treatable.

Hence, regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene, and early treatment of gum problems can help protect not just your teeth, but your heart, blood sugar, and pregnancy health too.