You’ve probably heard that dental health plays a big role in your overall health. Not following proper dental hygiene and not treating oral problems in time can contribute to more than just bad breath or tooth pain.
To be healthy, every part of your body is without low-grade inflammation or chronic infection. Scientists have found a connection between dental health issues like periodontitis and many conditions, such as diabetes, heart and kidney disease, Alzheimer’s disease, asthma, osteoporosis, and even cancer. In fact, there are more than 120 health problems that have been linked to oral issues. But knowing more information on this topic can help you better understand these connections and look at your dental health differently.
The connection between periodontal disease and diabetes
Gum disease occurs when gingivitis progresses. It’s accompanied by the formation of gum pockets as well as receding gums which leave the roots of your teeth exposed to the air. Food particles can get trapped in those pockets, and oral bacteria start to multiply and produce toxins that irritate the gum tissue and create inflammation. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to bone and tooth loss.
Diabetes sufferers have poor healing capacity due to a weakened immune system. There is more breakdown of periodontal tissues since diabetes impedes healing as well.
People with severe periodontal disease might have higher levels of HbA1C. HbA1C is a form of glucose-linked hemoglobin that’s used to measure how well diabetes is managed. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) reports that there is a connection between gum disease and diabetes in two ways. Periodontal disease might impact blood sugar control, and diabetes patients might be more prone to bacterial infection that causes gum disease.
If plaque is not removed from the teeth, it enhances inflammatory response, and people have more trouble controlling their blood glucose. A study published in January 2017 in the journal BMJ Open Diabetes Research and Care has shown that approximately 1 in 5 people with periodontitis had type 2 diabetes without knowing it. The scientists assume that annual dental checkups might provide an opportunity to screen people for prediabetes and diabetes.
Diabetes sufferers need to make dental health a priority. Managing your blood sugar levels combined with good oral hygiene and annual dental visits will help prevent oral issues linked to diabetes. Timely gingivitis treatment is a good way to prevent periodontitis.
The connection between dental health and heart problems
There are several studies supporting the link between gum disease and cardiovascular disease. The link could stem from inflammatory compounds like c-reactive protein (CRP). CRP levels are high in periodontitis patients, and its levels might increase in response to overall inflammation.
One possible theory is that bacteria in infected gums can enter the bloodstream and get to other parts of the circulatory system, triggering inflammation and arterial plaque. The fact that periodontitis and cardiovascular disease share risk factors in common like smoking and obesity might also explain why they can accompany each other.
Early detection is crucial
Though there is still no definitive proof of a direct connection between dental health and diabetes or dental health and heart disease, keeping your teeth and gums healthy should be an essential part of your overall healthcare.
You can prevent gum disease with proper dental hygiene and regular dental checkups. And if it’s detected at an early stage, it can be more easily managed. Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once a day. You should also visit a dental specialist twice a year for a checkup and professional cleaning.
