Gum disease means chronic inflammation, infection below the gum line and disease-causing bacteria in the mouth. Stopping it, and keeping up excellent oral hygiene, lowers your risk of gum and bone loss and of other serious illnesses.
Diabetes
People with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease, and gum disease can raise blood sugar, making diabetes harder to control. Diabetes also thickens blood vessels, so the mouth struggles to clear excess sugar, feeding the bacteria behind gum disease. Read more
Heart disease
One theory is that gum-disease bacteria enter the bloodstream and attach to the coronary arteries, contributing to clots and narrowing. Another is that gum inflammation contributes to plaque build-up in the arteries. Read more
Pregnancy
Hormone changes raise women’s risk of gum disease. In pregnancy, gum disease is linked to preeclampsia and to premature, underweight babies, partly through raised levels of prostaglandin and C-reactive protein. Read more
Respiratory disease
Gum-disease bacteria can be breathed into the lungs, possibly causing or worsening pneumonia, emphysema and COPD, and gum inflammation may inflame the lung lining. Read more
We care about your overall health, not just your smile. Talk with us about the mouth–body connection at your next visit.