Gum disease is common and unpleasant, but, according to a growing body of evidence, gum disease and health risks are more closely connected than many people realize. Cleaning your teeth may be even more important than you thought. Plaque — a sticky substance that contains bacteria — builds up on teeth, and if it is not brushed away properly, these bacteria can irritate and infect the gums.
As a result, the gums can become swollen, sore, or infected — a condition known as gingivitis. In general, gum disease can be treated or prevented by maintaining a good oral hygiene routine. However, if it is left untreated, it can progress into periodontitis, which weakens the supporting structures of the teeth and may eventually lead to tooth loss.
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is widespread. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost half of adults in the United States have some form of gum disease.
While the biological mechanisms behind periodontal disease are relatively well-understood, new research shows that gum disease and health risks extend far beyond the mouth. Studies suggest that gum disease could play a role in the development of several serious conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and respiratory illnesses.
In this article, we explore some of the surprising links between gum disease and overall health.
Gums and the brain
Although spatially the gums are near the brain, one wouldn’t normally associate dental complaints with neurological conditions.
However, some studies have found a link between periodontal disease and tooth loss and cognitive function. One study looking at cognitive performance followed 597 men for up to 32 years. The authors conclude:
Risk of cognitive decline in older men increases as more teeth are lost. Periodontal disease and caries, major reasons for tooth loss, are also related to cognitive decline.
Researchers have also linked periodontal disease with an increased buildup of beta-amyloid in the brain — the neurological hallmark of Alzheimer’s.
Other experiments have produced evidence that one type of bacteria commonly found in cases of periodontitis — Porphyromonas gingivalis — can be found in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer’s.
Following on from that discovery, in a more recent study, researchers showed that P. gingivalis infection boosts the production of beta-amyloid in the brain.
Periodontal disease was associated with a small, but significant, increase in overall cancer risk.
In this study, the researchers paid particular attention to an enzyme produced by P. gingivalis called gingipain. They found that this protease was toxic to tau, another protein that plays a pivotal role in Alzheimer’s.
It is worth noting that other researchers have concluded that beta-amyloid is produced in response to a pathogen. The way we view Alzheimer’s is slowly changing.
In the future, scientists hope that targeting gingipain enzymes might help stop neurodegeneration in some people with Alzheimer’s disease. They have already designed a gingipain inhibitor, which they are testing in humans.
Gum Disease and Broader Health Risks
It’s worth noting that other researchers suggest beta-amyloid may be produced by the body as a defensive response to pathogens. This evolving perspective on Alzheimer’s disease shows just how intricate and profound the relationship between gum disease and health risks truly is.
In the future, scientists are hopeful that treatments targeting gingipain enzymes may help prevent or slow neurodegeneration in individuals affected by Alzheimer’s. In fact, gingipain inhibitors are already being tested in clinical trials.
Conclusion:
Gum disease is more dangerous than most people realize — it affects much more than just your smile.
Early detection, professional cleanings, and good home care are key to preventing serious health complications.
At Tooth-Tastic Dental Clinic, our team is dedicated to protecting your gums and your overall well-being.
Book your gum health evaluation today — because a healthy smile leads to a healthier life.
