Four Disorders That Can Be Linked to Gum Disease
Having gum disease can be a risk factor for other diseases. The most common disorders linked to gum disease are Alzheimer's disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Here are some tips to prevent these diseases.
Alzheimer's Disease
Several species of bacteria have been linked to Alzheimer's disease, periodontal disease, and related disorders. Several lab studies have suggested that bacteria and inflammatory molecules can travel from infections in the mouth to the brain. These inflammatory molecules can lead to more inflammation, damaging brain neurons.
The bacteria that cause gum disease can also cross the blood-brain barrier. Research shows that gingipains, toxic enzymes produced by the bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis, are present in the brains of deceased Alzheimer's patients. They are also present in the spinal fluid of living Alzheimer's patients.
The NYU College of Dentistry recently quantified the number of harmful oral bacteria. They analyzed bacterial DNA from samples from beneath the gum line. They found that individuals with chronic gum disease had a 70 percent greater risk of Alzheimer's than those with healthy gums. Researchers plan to conduct a clinical trial to test if modifying the health of gums can prevent Alzheimer's.
In addition to bacteria, research suggests that certain lifestyle habits can influence Alzheimer's. Studies have shown that people who consume large amounts of alcohol have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's. People with poor sleep patterns also have an increased risk. A healthy low-fat diet can also reduce the risk of Alzheimer's.
Periodontal disease is also strongly linked to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The bacteria Fusobacterium nucleatum, which causes periodontal disease, can cause tooth loss, jawbone inflammation, and other problems. It has also been linked to premature births.
Another bacteria, Fusobacterium nucleatum, has been linked to several disorders, including colorectal cancer. It also causes tooth decay and can lead to unstable teeth.
In addition, research shows that individuals with periodontal disease have a 70 percent greater risk of developing Alzheimer's than those with healthy gums. Research suggests that maintaining healthy gums can reduce inflammation and decrease the risk of Alzheimer's. The bacteria that cause gum disease may also be linked to other disorders, including vascular dementia. Researchers have also found that individuals with an imbalance in bacteria have lower levels of CSF amyloid.
Several other studies have shown that the bacteria that cause gum disease can be present in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. Researchers are still unsure if they can explain why this occurs.
Cardiovascular Diseases
Increasing evidence suggests that dental diseases such as periodontitis impact cardiovascular disease. This relationship needs to be clarified, however. Many factors may influence this link, including age, diabetes, smoking, and poor socioeconomic conditions. Addressing these risk factors could benefit both conditions regardless of the exact cause-and-effect relationship.
Several observational studies have shown that proper oral hygiene reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, there is evidence that bacterial buildup in the mouth can contribute to cardiovascular disease. These bacteria can sometimes travel to other body parts, such as the lungs. Infections in the mouth can lead to pneumonia. In addition, bacteria from the mouth can be attached to damaged heart tissue, increasing the risk of heart failure and stroke.
Another study has shown that people with periodontitis have double the risk of cardioembolic stroke. This is particularly true among heart attack patients. The results of this study were based on scans performed on 304 individuals.
The Forsyth Institute, which is part of Harvard University, conducted a review of this research. The researchers sought to determine whether inflammation in gum disease is associated with atherosclerosis.
In addition, they wanted to know whether inflammation can precede cardiovascular events. Several other studies have linked inflammation to heart disease.
The researchers also found that resolvins, molecules derived from omega-3 fatty acids, may be responsible for this link. Resolvins are thought to reduce inflammation. They have also been shown to prevent periodontal disease in rabbits. These findings have significant public health implications.
In addition, researchers have shown that people infected with periodontal bacteria have increased blood levels of inflammation. This inflammation may be the reason for the link between gum disease and cardiovascular disease.
In addition to inflammation, bacteria from the mouth can also enter the bloodstream and contribute to heart valve disease and respiratory diseases such as pneumonia. These infections require immediate attention from a cardiologist.
Although the cause-and-effect relationship between gum disease and cardiovascular disease is unclear, a recent review found that addressing common risk factors could benefit both conditions. However, more extensive studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Type 2 diabetes
Having Type 2 diabetes can increase your chances of developing gum disease. This is because diabetes affects the body's ability to fight off infections.
In addition, having diabetes can increase the number of bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria combine with food to form plaque. This plaque is a sticky white coating that forms on your teeth. This plaque can lead to cavities and tooth decay.
Gum disease can also cause you to develop a number of other health problems. Some of these health problems can be pretty serious, including nerve damage.
The good news is that dental care can help you to maintain your teeth and reduce the risk of other oral problems.
It would help if you visited your dentist at least once a year.
This visit should include an exam and X-rays. It would help if you also flossed regularly. The floss will help remove plaque between your teeth. Depending on your dentist's recommendations, you may be able to use mouthwash.
You should also keep your blood sugar under control. This will help you to avoid gum disease and other problems with your teeth. This is because high blood sugar increases the acids that wear away at your teeth.
Diabetes is often associated with gum disease, but it does not have to be the case. You can prevent gum disease by brushing and flossing twice daily and visiting your dentist at least once a year. Your dentist can also detect gum problems and recommend treatments.
If you have diabetes, you should talk to your dentist about your risk for gum disease. You may have to see a dental hygienist or dentist more frequently than a non-diabetic person. You should also have your blood sugar checked regularly. If you have a problem with your gums, you should seek immediate treatment.
Also, ask your dentist about the Basic Periodontal Examination. This test can help you learn how to care for your teeth. It also helps to tell you how well you are managing your diabetes.
If you have diabetes and gum disease, you should talk to your dentist about the best possible treatment options. You should ask about the benefits of mouthwash and any other oral treatments that may be appropriate.
Cancer
Even though gum disease can be treated and is reversible, it has been linked to several serious diseases. This includes cancer. It has been estimated that one in four people dies from cancer each year. It also accounts for about a third of the US healthcare cost. This is an onerous financial burden on families.
Researchers have recently discovered that there may be a connection between gum disease and other diseases.
Inflammation is an essential feature of the disease.
The body produces enzymes that break down connective tissues and bone.
Inflammation is also a contributing factor to the growth of tumors.
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that affects the soft tissues around the tooth. The bacteria break down bone and can lead to tooth loss. It also increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes. This is why it's essential to care for your oral health properly.
Researchers have also found a connection between gum disease and Alzheimer's disease. This is because the disease may cause bacteria to enter the brain.
Another potential link is between periodontal pathogens and respiratory disease. A study found that the bacteria in the mouth could be a reservoir for respiratory pathogens. It also found that genetically identical respiratory pathogens were present in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.
Researchers have also found that people with periodontal disease have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. It also shows that people with the disease have a 30% increased risk of their first heart attack.
In addition, people with the disease have a 17% increased risk of developing serrated polyps. The disease is also linked to stomach and esophageal cancer. Among patients with two or more teeth, the risk was about four times higher than those without teeth.
It is important to treat gum disease early. If you're already suffering from gum disease, your dentist may recommend that you have a particular dental treatment to help control bacterial growth. They may also recommend that you take antibiotics before specific dental procedures.
Disorders Linked to Gum Disease.
If you're already suffering from gum disease, you should take extra care when brushing your teeth. You may also need to take unique products to help with saliva production.