Beware of gum disease's full-body potential

Did you know that good dental hygiene keeps more than just your mouth healthy? A growing body of evidence suggests that maintaining healthy teeth and gums is important for the health of your entire body.

Oh, come on … How could that be? Well, it turns out that gum disease releases bacteria and their products into the bloodstream. This can trigger a whole host of disease and problems throughout the body.

For the sake of your overall health and well-being, it's essential to properly care for your teeth.

Periodontal disease

It's a common condition that can progressively lead to damage of your gums. It starts with the accumulation of dental plaque -- a sticky, colorless material that accumulates at the gum line of your teeth.

Next, bacteria thriving in the plaque produce toxic substances. The toxins cause gum inflammation or gingivitis, which eventually progresses to destruction of the soft tissue and bone that supports our teeth.

An estimated 80 percent of American adults have some form of gum disease. Red, tender and swollen gums, or those that bleed easily when brushed, are early signs of the disorder. The majority of people, however, have no early symptoms. The condition can lead to gum pockets, loose teeth, a changed bite or poorly fitting dental appliances.

Full-blown periodontitis, the leading cause of tooth loss after age 35, affects about 35 percent of adults in the United States.

Who is at risk?

In one word: Everyone. Gingivitis, or periodontal disease, typically develops in people who don't take proper care of their teeth. Other risk factors for gum disease include smoking, diabetes, pregnancy and chronic illness. Cortisone and birth control pills can worsen gum disease, as can certain medications used to treat high blood pressure, seizures or cancer. Excessively vigorous brushing or flossing of your teeth, or having ill-fitting dental appliances, may also injure your teeth and gums.

Linked conditions

The body responds to gum disease by producing inflammatory substances to help hold plaque bacteria at bay. These substances, along with toxins produced by the bacteria, can enter the bloodstream and provoke harmful inflammation in tissues far away from the mouth.

Scientists have found early evidence of an association between periodontal disease and the following disorders:



Heart disease: People with chronic gum disease have a risk of death from heart disease that is about three times greater than people with healthy gums, according to some research.



Stroke: One study showed that men who had lost several teeth because of periodontal disease had a 57 percent increased risk of stroke compared to men with less tooth loss.



Diabetes: Diabetics with gum disease have a harder time controlling blood-sugar levels.



Premature childbirth: Mothers with gum disease are seven times more likely to give birth to a premature or underweight infant.

Pneumonia: Excess dental plaque may make you more susceptible to catching pneumonia when your resistance is low, such as when you're sick or recovering from surgery.

Best prevention

Research is still preliminary about periodontal disease's effects. But plenty of evidence proves you will stay healthier when you take better care of your teeth. Brush at least twice a day, floss daily and see your dentist every six months for checkups and cleaning. Also, eat a nutritious diet and avoid exposure to tobacco products. Your health may depend on it.

For more information: American Dental Association, www.ada.org.



Contact Dr. Elizabeth Smoots, a board-certified family physician and fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, at doctor@practicalprevention.com. Her columns are not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Before adhering to any recommendations in this column consult your health care provider.

© 2008 Elizabeth S. Smoots