The Link Between Gum Disease and Systemic Disease

Gum disease isn’t just a condition that affects your oral health. In fact, there is a link between gum disease and several systemic diseases; unhealthy gums can have a negative impact on overall health. When you visit the Fanwood dental office of Dr. Lawrence Bauman, we’ll ask about not only your dental history but your medical history as well to ensure you receive the best care possible.

What Causes Gum Disease? 

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is caused by bacteria in the mouth. Plaque and tartar accumulates on teeth along the gum line and becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone; while home care is imperative to good oral health, it takes professional intervention to get rid of the buildup. If left unchecked, the bacteria progressively moves under the gum, destroying soft tissue and attacking tooth roots along the way towards the jaw bone. Left alone, the infection continues to spread into the blood stream linking gum disease to several medical conditions — including diabetes and heart disease.

Medical Conditions Associated with Gum Disease

There are a variety of systemic diseases that can be linked to oral health factors including:
Diabetes — The correlation between gum disease and diabetes is two-fold. Not only does diabetes make some patients more likely to develop gum disease, gum disease can make diabetes more difficult to treat. One reason for this is because diabetics who don’t have their blood sugar under control are more likely to experience different types of infections — including gum disease. In addition, gum disease that’s severe can even cause a spike in blood sugar, which can be very dangerous for diabetics.

Heart Disease — You probably already know that heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, as well as around the world. But what you may not know is that heart disease and gum disease are connected. Current research suggests that the inflammation caused by gum disease can raise the risk of heart disease. For patients with existing heart disease, gum disease can be even more dangerous.

Stroke — Studies have shown a link between stroke and gum disease; patients who experienced a stroke were more likely to also suffer from gum disease.
Respiratory Disease — The bacteria associated with gum disease can reach the lungs through aspiration; this can lead to respiratory conditions such as pneumonia.

Osteoporosis — The loss of bone in the jaw is linked to osteoporosis; this in turn weakens the structure that supports the teeth and can lead to tooth loss.

Cancer — Research shows that males with gum disease are at a substantially higher risk for certain types of cancers.

It’s safe to say that healthy teeth and gums are an important part of overall health. If you suspect gum disease, it’s important to schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible.

Regular Checkups are Crucial 

Routine checkups are an important part of good oral health. Dr. Lawrence Bauman and his friendly staff are highly experienced in both the treatment and prevention of gum disease. Regular checkups not only include thorough teeth cleaning but also routine screening for oral cancer and imaging studies when needed. Keep your teeth and gums healthy — and encourage better overall health — by scheduling your appointment today. Give us a call or use our appointment request form — we’re eager to provide you with the personalized, premium-quality dental care you deserve!

Risk Factors of Gum Disease

Gum disease, which is also known as periodontal disease – is a progressive condition that can cause gums to become inflamed with infection and rapidly develop causing a host of other issues, including loose teeth, or even causing teeth to fall out. Gum disease is extremely common – one out of every two American adults aged 30 and over has the silent disease which has been medically linked with systemic health conditions.

What Puts You at Risk?

The impact gum disease can have on health increases as the disease progresses. Damage caused by the first stage, gingivitis, is both treatable and reversible. Routine exams help to detect gingivitis, an important aspect to having a family dentist who understand your medical and family oral health history.

There are certain risk factors which leave some people more prone to the disease than others. These include:

• A family history of gum disease
• Inadequate dental health habits, not brushing and flossing regularly
• Lack of professional care and cleanings
• Diabetes
• Use of tobacco products
• Age
• Compromised or decreased immune system, patients with conditions impacting immunity such as HIV/AIDS, leukemia, or those undergoing chemotherapy
• Inadequate or poor nutrition
• Specific medications and drug use/abuse
• Pregnancy
• Bite and alignment conditions

Thankfully, gum disease is also preventable and treatment of the disease, particularly when caught early on, can be as simple as a few professional cleanings, and improving at-home care. If you condition has progressed past gingivitis to periodontal disease, continued maintenance cleanings are strongly suggested by your dentist to maintain oral health and prevent reoccurrence.

Watching for Signs of Gum Disease

Stage 1- Gingivitis- During this stage, the inflammation and bacteria infiltrate the soft gum tissue, colonizing in pockets along the gum line at the bottom of the teeth. Signs of the disease include red, swollen gums that are tender or painful, and prone to bleeding when brushed or flossed.

Stage 2 – Periodontitis - Gums then start to recede and pull away from the teeth, giving them an elongated appearance. The tenderness can extend to pain when eating, or a persistent soreness that may be accompanied by loose or separating teeth.

Stage 3 – Advanced Periodontitis – This advanced periodontal disease stage may have sores can develop, pus may gather between the gums and teeth, and bad breath can become a daily problem. The bite may also be affected and people notice a greater presence of pain when using their mouth.

If you are concerned about having gum disease or have not seen your dentist for more than six months, contact Dr. Lawrence Bauman and schedule an appointment.

Cavity Prevention Tips

Tooth decay occurs when foods containing sugars and starches remain on the teeth, eroding the tooth structure allowing cavities to develop. It can affect both the outer layer of the tooth – the enamel – and the inner dentin layer. The acids and bacteria combine to form a sticky plaque that dissolves the enamel and destroys dentin.

Tooth decay is among the most common of all dental diseases. More than 90% of adults ages 20 to 64 have had tooth decay in their permanent teeth, according to research published by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. However, it is preventable and with the following tips, it’s possible to avoid the damage and discomfort of cavities.

Brushing – Brushing is recommended as a way of preventing cavities, and other issues such as bad breath, gum disease and stains. Brush teeth at least twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste in order to remove the sticky sugars and starches that accumulate over time. Remove particles and plaque buildup from between the teeth by using dental floss at least once a day.

Professional Cleanings – Nothing can replace the professional care provided by the dentist. Dentists examine the health of the teeth and gums during regular checkups, and can catch a disease before it progresses to a more aggressive, advanced stage. This helps patients avoid the pain of disease, as well as the expense of more complex, and invasive treatment.

Dental Washes – Rinsing the mouth out with a fluoride rinse can also help dissolve and wash away bacteria and other detritus, as well as provide additional protection for teeth enamel.

Fluoride – Fluoride is a natural mineral that is delivered systemically (fortified water) and topically through products such as rinses, toothpastes, and professional treatments. Fluoride strengthens enamel and prevents the deterioration of the tooth structure – drinking at least a pint of fluoridated water a day is recommended in order to protect children from tooth decay.

Eat Well – Food plays a large part in the health of teeth. By avoiding frequent snacking and by eating tooth-healthy foods, tooth decay can be kept at bay. Snacking regularly means the mouth doesn’t have time to neutralize the sugars and starches that stick to the teeth. To keep teeth healthy, it is best to eat some foods only in moderation, such as candy, pretzels, and chips.

Dental Treatments – If you are particularly prone to tooth decay, talk to the dentist about other dental treatments, such as antibacterial treatments, sealants, and fluoride treatments.

If you are having tooth pain or have not seen a dentist in more than six months, contact Dr. Lawrence Bauman to schedule an appointment. We service the Fanwood areas of Scotch Plains and Plainfield, we welcome patients of all ages.