Gum Disease Impact over the General heath

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a progressive condition affecting the mouth and gums that develops in stages over time.

Gingivitis: The earliest and most common stage of gum disease is gingivitis. Most people will experience this at some point in their lives. Symptoms of gingivitis include gum soreness, minor bleeding while brushing, mild pain, redness, and sometimes slight swelling. Fortunately, gingivitis can usually be reversed with appropriate treatment. However, if left untreated, it can worsen and progress to a more severe form of the disease called periodontitis.

Periodontitis: This is an advanced form of gum disease that cannot be reversed; the damage to the bone and gum tissue is permanent. However, with professional care, the progression of periodontitis can be halted. Signs and symptoms of periodontitis include:

• Receding gums
• Changes in bite (the way your teeth fit together when you bite or chew)
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth and/or tooth loss
• Red, swollen, and bleeding gums

• Painful chewing

  The common denominator for gingivitis and periodontitis is the onset of inflammation in the gums,” says Andres-Pinto, DMD, MPH. “Unchecked, inflammation breaks down the gums and can destroy the jaw bone, ultimately resulting in tooth loss.”

  And when inflammation exists anywhere in the body, the immune system is on high alert. It reacts by activating infection-fighting cells (white blood cells) that tell the rest of the body that something is wrong. These cells circulate through the bloodstream to every part of the body. The strong immune response that occurs due to inflammation in the gums (or anywhere in the body) has far-reaching implications, increasing the risk for many health conditions, including:

  • Heart Disease. Inflammation related to gum disease has been linked to an increased risk for heart disease and high blood pressure. The cardiovascular system reacts very negatively to inflammation by increasing the amount of cholesterol and fats in the bloodstream, which can build up on the artery walls and form plaques. This can lead to atherosclerosis – a condition in which the blood vessels become narrower and less pliable – potentially blocking blood flow.
  • Diabetes. When blood sugar levels are not well controlled, they can lead to higher glucose levels in the saliva, which promote the growth of the bacteria that cause gum disease. In addition, infections from untreated periodontal disease can also cause a rise in blood sugar, making it more difficult to control diabetes.
  • COVID-19. Some research suggests that inflammation in the mouth and gums associated with severe periodontitis may lead to more aggressive COVID-19 infections and increase the risk of complications.
  • Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD). Although there is only preliminary data available to support this connection, some experts believe that inflammation in the oral cavity can contribute to a worsening of IBD and other gastrointestinal disorders.
  • Mental Health. Healthy teeth and gums also affect how we feel. People with advanced gum disease and/or tooth loss tend to smile less and may feel self-conscious or ashamed. As a result, they may avoid social situations, which can lead to increased isolation—a major factor in mental decline, depression, and anxiety.