{"id":82,"date":"2021-04-08T17:30:58","date_gmt":"2021-04-08T17:30:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.keysdentist.com\/blog\/?p=82"},"modified":"2021-04-08T17:31:00","modified_gmt":"2021-04-08T17:31:00","slug":"connection-gum-disease-heart-disease-systemic-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.keysdentist.com\/blog\/2021\/04\/08\/connection-gum-disease-heart-disease-systemic-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Gum Disease and Systemic Health: The Surprising Connection"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is one of the most common oral health conditions. In fact, roughly half of adults in the U.S. suffer from some form of it. Many people believe that gum disease isn\u2019t a big deal because in its early stages, it causes only minor symptoms. But gum problems are a serious concern! Research has established a strong connection between gum disease and heart disease, as well as other major systemic health issues. Let\u2019s talk more about how gum health affects overall health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Gum Disease and Heart Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Numerous studies have examined the link between gum disease and heart disease. One scholarly review article evaluated several of those studies and concluded that gum disease can increase a person\u2019s risk of heart disease<\/a> by a whopping 20 percent!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason behind the connection may be related to the fact that gum disease increases the body\u2019s burden of inflammation. Increased inflammation is a major contributor to atherosclerosis (fatty deposits in the arteries).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gum Disease and Diabetes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Diabetes has a negative impact on the body\u2019s ability to fight off infections. Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue, so it is often considered a complication of diabetes. Plus, diabetes is often accompanied by high blood sugar levels, as well as higher levels of sugar in the mouth. The bacteria that cause gum disease love to feed on sugar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The connection between gum disease and diabetes goes both ways. There is research indicating that periodontal problems may make it more difficult for diabetics to keep their blood sugar under control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gum Disease and Other Conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The connection between gum disease and systemic health doesn\u2019t stop at heart disease and diabetes. It is also associated with osteoporosis, certain cancers, respiratory disease, and dementia. For some conditions, the link might be due to common underlying factors, but for others, the connection may be more causative. More research is necessary before we can say anything for sure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Caring for Your Gums<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Clearly, periodontal health has a bearing on overall well-being. Here are a few tips to benefit both your gums and your body:<\/p>\n\n\n\n