Gum disease increases the risk of mental health problems by 37%

A collaborative study^first,2 64,379 people’s medical records were found that patients with periodontal disease had a 37% higher risk of mental illness. The team from the University of Birmingham also found that 60,995 people had gingivitis and 3,384 people had periodontitis.³ Data from these individuals were compared with 251,161 healthy individuals without any record of gum disease.⁴

The researchers took into account confounding factors, such as smoking habits, ethnicity and body mass index. In addition to identifying the number of people with and without gum disease who also had mental health conditions, they also analyzed the data to identify the number of people with cardiovascular disease, cardiometabolic disorders or autoimmune conditions in the population. same group.⁵

Gum disease increases risk of mental health disorders

They found that patients with a history of gum disease at the start of the study were more likely to be diagnosed with one of the health conditions over the next three years when compared with a healthy control group. The risk of mental illness increased by 37 percent, autoimmune disease by 33 percent, and cardiovascular disease by 18 percent.

The health condition with the lowest risk was cardiometabolic disorders, which increased by 7% and the higher risk of Type 2 diabetes by 26%. One of the researchers, Dr Joht Singh Chandan from the University of Birmingham, commented on the study results and the importance of information in a press release, saying:⁶

“Poor oral health is extremely common, both in the UK and globally. As oral health progresses, it can lead to a significantly reduced quality of life. However, To date, not much is known about the association of poor oral health and many chronic diseases, especially mental illness.

We conducted one of the largest epidemiological studies of its kind to date, using UK primary care data to explore the association between periodontal disease and several chronic diseases. .

We have found evidence that periodontal disease appears to be associated with an increased risk of developing these associated chronic diseases. Because periodontal diseases are so common, the increased risk of other chronic diseases can represent a significant public health burden. “

One of the researchers also noted that the findings suggest that effective communication between dental professionals and primary care providers can help improve health-targeted treatment plans. the patient’s oral health and overall health.

Common types of gum disease

Since 2009, data on the prevalence of periodontal (gum) disease in the United States have shown that between 30% and 47% of the U.S. population has some degree of periodontal disease,^7,8,9 which has been called a developing epidemic.^ten

For their study, the Birmingham researchers enrolled patients with gingivitis or periodontal disease,¹¹ two of the biggest diagnoses of gum disease. The data suggest an association with health conditions related to an inflammatory response. Others have found that this mechanism is also implicated in neurodegenerative diseases and some cancers,^twelfth which may be the result of a chronic inflammatory response in the body.

Gingivitis is a mild form of periodontal disease.¹³ Your gums become red and swollen. They also bleed easily when you brush or floss. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. In this condition, plaque spreads below the gum line. The bacteria produce toxins that irritate gum tissue and trigger an inflammatory response.

As the disease progresses, the gums separate from the teeth. Bacterial growth in these sacs destroys much of the gum tissue and bone that supports the teeth. Eventually, your teeth may become loose and fall out. Other types of periodontal disease include:

• Progressive periodontitis – It is a destructive, multi-dental, rapidly progressive, early-onset disease without systemic disease.¹⁴
• Gingivitis during pregnancy – This occurs during pregnancy and is related to the hormonal changes during pregnancy.¹⁵ Changes in what you eat during pregnancy and the amount of saliva you produce can also increase your risk of gingivitis.
• Cystitis – This condition is common in adults between the ages of 17 and 24. It occurs where wisdom teeth normally pass through the gums and is triggered by an infection on or around a partially erupted tooth.¹⁶ This leaves a layer of tissue that can collect food particles and lead to infection. The best prevention strategy is to brush and floss regularly.
• Scaly gingivitis – This is a rare and painful periodontal disease that affects the outer layers of the gums. The tissue is red, enamel, and easily torn, causing bleeding.¹⁷ It can be caused by mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP), oral lichen planus, and pemphigus vulgaris. Endocrine disorders, such as during menopause, can also cause this condition.

The data also link gum disease to an increase in chronic disease

Caroline Aylott from Versus Aretes, comments on the importance of the Birmingham study results as they relate to patients with arthritis, particularly autoimmune conditions. She speaks:¹⁸

“Some of the biggest challenges of arthritis, particularly autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which affects 400,000 people in the UK, are being able to know who is most at risk of developing the disease. and find ways to prevent it.Studies have shown that people with RA are four times more likely to develop gum disease than people without RA, and it tends to get worse.

This study provides further evidence why healthcare professionals need to be on the lookout for the early signs of gum disease and how it can have far-reaching effects on a person’s health. reinforces the importance of taking a holistic approach when treating everyone. “

Previous studies have supported evidence from prominent research. For example, a study¹⁹ published in 2001 with 1,412 participants found that 62.5% of rheumatoid arthritis patients had advanced forms of periodontal disease. They concluded that moderate to severe gum disease was associated with an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis and vice versa.

A later study²⁰ in 2010 discussed specific oral infections associated with RA. Data linking periodontal disease and heart disease are inconsistent. Featured research has found a strong link, as have other studies^21,22 and literary criticism.^23,24 However, other documents^25,26 No positive association was found.

Several mechanisms have been recognized²⁷ to explain the relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease. These include infection of atherosclerotic plaques by pathogens in the gums, systemic dissemination of proinflammatory compounds from gum disease, effect of periodontitis on lipid profile or whether it contributes in the development of type 2 diabetes.

Outstanding research also finds a link between gum disease and cardiovascular disease.²⁸ This is a group of health conditions that increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and high blood pressure.²⁹ These are the consequences of metabolic syndrome, which is a range of symptoms that include the following:³⁰

• Belly Fat
• High Blood Pressure
• Impaired glucose tolerance
• High triglycerides
• High-Low Density Lipoprotein (HDL)

Research^{thirty first} Evaluation of medical records of 572 industrial workers with medical and dental records from 2003 to 2012. A review of records in 2003 showed normal cardiometabolic values.

The researchers then compared the duration of periodontal pockets, a symptom of gum disease, with the progression of cardiometabolic risk factors over nine years. They found that chronic gum disease was significantly associated with these risk factors and that cardiometabolic disease was suggested to be increased in untreated patients with periodontitis.

Steps to protect your gums and brain

Dr. Steven Lin is a dentist who uses a holistic approach to taking care of your oral health as well as your overall health. In this short video, he encourages you to treat your mouth as a “gatekeeper” to your gut health and as a reminder to keep your gut microbiome balanced and healthy. .

Your gums don’t take care of themselves. Eating foods that are processed and high in carbohydrates increases the growth of bacteria in the mouth and the risk of gum disease. The first step to consider is optimizing your diet for oral health and mitochondrial function by reducing carbohydrate intake.

American Dental Association³² recommends brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and replacing it every three to four months. You should also regularly floss to remove plaque.³³ While these are the basics of dental care, there are a few extra steps you can take to help reduce bad bacteria growth and protect your overall health. For example, you would want:

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