Your mouth is a window into the health of your body
Did you know that your oral health is tied to your overall health? For example, periodontal (perry-oh-DON-tal) disease, also known as gum disease, is more common in people with chronic diseases like some forms of heart disease or diabetes than in people without these diseases. This brochure explains the connection between your mouth health and your overall health.
What you should know about gum disease
Gum disease is an infection and inflammation that affects the tissues and bone that support your teeth. Plaque (pronounced PLACK) is a sticky film of bacteria that is always on your teeth. If it is not removed with regular daily hygiene, it can make your gums red, puffy and swollen. When plaque is left on your gums and teeth, it can harden. Hardened plaque is also known as tartar. Tartar on your teeth makes it difficult for you to keep your teeth and gums clean on your own.
As gum disease gets worse, the tissues and bones that support your teeth can become damaged. Over time, your teeth may need to be removed. Gum disease happens often in adults, and if it’s not treated it can lead to tooth loss.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis (jin-ji-VY-tis) is an early stage of gum disease. The bacteria in plaque make your gums red, tender and swollen. Your gums might also bleed at this stage. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to more advanced stages of gum disease.
But, the good news is, gum disease at this stage is usually reversible. If it is caught early enough (when it is gingivitis), you may simply need a professional cleaning and to keep up with daily hygiene: brushing and cleaning between your teeth. Your dental team can also give you advice for improving your daily oral hygiene.
Periodontitis
If gingivitis is not treated, it can turn into periodontitis (perry-oh-don-TIE-tis). As plaque and tartar build up where your teeth and gums meet, the gum tissues and bone around your teeth begin to break down. Periodontitis is usually not painful, but it can lead to bone loss and, in more severe cases, teeth that may need to be removed.
Warning signs of gum disease
- gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- gums that are red, swollen, puffy or tender
- gums that no longer tightly hug your teeth
- bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth that doesn’t go away
- increasing spaces between your teeth
- feeling that your teeth are loose
- a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- a change in the way your partial dentures fit
You may notice one or some of these warning signs, or you may not have any signs of gum disease at all. This is why it’s important to see your dentist regularly — treatment of gum disease is most successful when it’s caught early.
The connection between your mouth and body
Diseases that lower your body’s ability to fight infections may raise your risk of gum disease. And, sometimes having gum disease is shown to raise the severity of chronic disease. While it may not be clear whether one drives the other, some of the chronic diseases that commonly occur at the same time as gum disease are:
- rheumatoid arthritis
- diabetes
- some forms of heart disease
- high blood pressure
- osteoporosis
- stroke
Tell your dentist about any chronic diseases or changes in your overall health.
Many of the medications used to treat other diseases can affect your mouth by causing dry mouth. These include medications used to treat blood pressure, allergies and pain. Dry mouth can make it difficult for your saliva to help keep your mouth clean, increasing the risk of oral health problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
Make sure your dentist knows about all the medications you are taking.
Using tobacco raises your risk of gum disease
Using tobacco products of any kind, like cigarettes, dip, chew and hookah can increase your risk of gum disease. The disease can also get worse the longer you use tobacco.
Effects of gum disease
Healthy gums and bone hold teeth firmly in place.
Periodontitis happens over time, as plaque builds up along the gum line. Your body responds to the toxins that the bacteria produce, which may result in the breakdown of the gum tissues and bone around your teeth.
Preventing gum disease
In general, it costs much less to keep your teeth and gums healthy than to treat a problem once it happens. These healthy habits can help:
- Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time using a fluoride toothpaste
- Clean between your teeth every day using a between-the-teeth cleaner like dental floss, floss holders, water flossers, special picks or narrow-fluid brushes that reach between teeth
- Use a germ-fighting mouthrinse or other products if your dentist or hygienist recommends them
- Eat a healthy diet and limit snacking on sugary or sticky foods between meals
- Visit your dentist regularly and keep him or her informed about your overall health
Look for the ADA Seal
When shopping for oral health care products like toothbrushes, between-the-teeth cleaners or mouthrinses, look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance on the package. The Seal tells you that the product has met the ADA’s standards for safety and effectiveness.
For more information about taking care of your mouth and teeth, visit MouthHealthy.org, the ADA’s website just for patients.
