Periodontal disease can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease and dementia.
Regular flossing, along with brushing, is critical to preventing periodontal disease.
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Periodontal disease (periodontitis) has long been known as the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. But the damage is not limited to the mouth. Gingivitis has also been associated with an increased risk of serious degenerative diseases.
How does gum disease start?
Like our guts, our mouths are home to complex ecosystems of bacteria known as the oral microbiome. And just like in the gut, different types of bacteria compete for space. When all species are in balance, the gums are protected from disease-causing bacteria. Disruption of this balance provides an opening for pathogens to invade, causing periodontal disease, which further disrupts the bacterial balance.
Pathogenic bacteria cause periodontal disease. However, they are not the only – or even the main – culprits. Yesterday we thought that bacteria destroyed the tissue. Today scientists understand that it is inflammation caused by bacteria that destroy tissue. That is, disease-causing bacteria trigger a response from the body’s immune system, and the white blood cells called to eliminate them produce substances that not only destroy the bacteria but also destroy the gum tissue.
Effects of gingivitis on the whole body
The effects of periodontal disease range from mild redness and swelling of the gums (gingivitis) to complete destruction of the bony structure supporting the tooth (advanced periodontitis), which is responsible for tooth loss.
Over the years, people with periodontal disease have been found to be at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, pregnancy complications and dementia. We don’t yet know if periodontal disease actually causes other health problems, or if people with chronic health problems have more difficulty taking care of their teeth and gums. It is a correlation, not a proven cause-and-effect relationship. But inflammation, which plays a role in all of these conditions, appears to be the link.
Furthermore, the association likely works both ways. For example, diabetes research has determined that successful treatment of periodontitis reduces the severity of diabetes and vice versa.
Prevention of periodontal disease
The following, which either help prevent bacterial infection or reduce inflammation, are still the best ways to reduce your risk of gingivitis.
Brush and floss. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss before bed. If you have bridges, implants, or large gaps between your teeth, you may want to use interdental brushes — toothpick-like tools with tiny bristles on one end — to clean out trapped food.
Do not smoke. People who smoke up to half a pack of cigarettes a day are almost three times more likely than non-smokers to have periodontitis. Those who smoke more than one and a half packs of cigarettes a day have almost a sixfold risk.
Eat a healthy diet. A diet rich in vegetables and vegetable oils, fruits, legumes, nuts and fatty fish not only provides all the necessary nutrients, but also helps suppress inflammation. There is some evidence that people whose diets are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in oily fish, have a reduced risk of periodontal disease.
Have a regular dental checkup and cleanings. Your dentist or dental hygienist can remove plaque that harbors bacteria and spot early signs of periodontal disease.
Get treatment at the first sign of gum disease. Swollen, bleeding gums. pockets of pus; or gums that have pulled away from your teeth are the most dramatic signs of periodontal disease. Smaller changes, such as widening of the spaces between your teeth and bridges or partial dentures that don’t fit as well as they once did, can also signal periodontitis.
