Gum disease linked to heart disease, diabetes

The mouth is the window to the body. It is both an indicator of the body's overall health, and a potential starting point for inflammation of the gums (periodontal disease), which affects three out of four adults age 35 and over, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Periodontal disease not only causes tooth loss—researchers have also linked it to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory problems, and premature birth. Conversely, researchers are making the connection that these diseases can make an individual more susceptible to periodontal disease.

In some cases, the first signs of systemic disease—diseases that affect the entire body—may be seen in the mouth. For example, periodontal disease that does not respond to traditional therapies could be an early indicator of diabetes. Pale gums could be a symptom of leukemia. Oral lesions often are an early sign of the HIV-virus infection.

Major research studies continue in an effort to learn more about the link between periodontal disease and other systemic diseases. Earlier this year, for example, researchers from the University of Minnesota and Columbia University reported that older adults who have higher proportions of four periodontal-disease-causing bacteria in their mouths also tend to have thicker carotid arteries—a strong predictor of stroke and heart attack.

In addition, researchers at the U of M and several other medical centers, led by the University’s Bryan Michalowicz, are involved in a major study of more than 800 pregnant women with periodontal disease to find out if they are more likely to deliver preterm, low-birth weight babies. The researchers want to find out if treating expectant mothers’ gum disease will reduce the incidence of premature births.

When your mouth and teeth are disease-free, your risks for developing other diseases throughout your life may be reduced. You can help prevent gum disease by brushing and flossing every day, limiting between-meal snacks and seeing your dentist and dental hygienist regularly. Good oral hygiene will keep bacteria in the mouth at relatively low levels, preventing the build-up that leads to disease.

Periodontal diseases are bacterial infections and antibiotics have been shown useful in their treatment and prevention. We recommend using American Dental Association-approved toothpaste and mouth rinses as adjuncts to improve oral health.

To keep plaque at low levels, electric toothbrushes may also benefit patients who might be handicapped or lack manual dexterity. Also, women who are pregnant, or considering pregnancy, should have regular dental checkups.

Another way to prevent periodontal disease is by not smoking. Cigarette, cigar, and pipe-smoking harm oral health as well as overall health.

The link between oral health and the body’s overall health underscores the need for dental-medical teamwork in preventing and treating disease. A dentist is much more than just a “tooth doctor”; he or she is an integral part of a patient’s health-care team.

Larry Wolff, Ph.D., D.D.S., professor in the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry's Division of Periodontology, and interim chair of the Department of Developmental and Surgical Sciences. This column is an educational service of the University of Minnesota. Advice presented should not take the place of an examination by a health-care professional. For more health-related information, go to http://www.healthtalk.umn.edu.