Gum disease is more serious than you think – it’s even a risk factor for developing heart disease and stroke.
By Dr Hisham
Extensive scientific research and hundreds of studies over the last 20 years have proven the links between gum and bone disease (Periodontitis) and the resulting systemic problems, which range from heart disease to premature babies. In short, poor oral health will lead to poor general health and will reduce your life expectancy. Treating the disease and maintaining your oral and general health will increase your life expectancy by years.
Whoopi Goldberg recently spoke candidly and passionately about her serious gum disease on the TV show, The View. She risked humiliation in front of millions, and blamed herself for neglecting her mouth and health. She acted bravely for the greater good of her fans and said: “if you’re not taking care of your mouth, then you’re not taking care of your whole body and it will kill you.”
So why is it such a problem?
- It is one of the two most common infections of human beings worldwide (the other one is tooth decay). Although they don’t cause direct mortality, they induce a lot of other reactions in the body, over time, that increase risks for other disease. For example, an abscessed tooth can infect the brain, through the sinuses, and cause death. Other risks include dissolving jawbone, sepsis (blood infection), endocarditis (heart valve infections) and stroke.
- Chronic heart disease is the number one killer of people in the western world. Gum disease is a major risk factor for chronic heart disease, along with diabetes, smoking, alcohol and poor diet. If you have gum disease, you are twice as likely to die from a heart attack and three times as likely to die from a stroke.
- Diabetes is a major problem in the world today. It is directly linked with gum disease (each one causing a higher risk and aggravation of the other, plus sharing the same risk factors). If you have bleeding gums and diabetes, your chances of dying increase by 400 per cent to 700 per cent.
- Long term inflammation in the body increases proteins (Like C-reactive protein, CRP) that spread throughout the blood and keep the whole immune system in constant “fighting” state. This drains energy, opens you to other infections and deteriorates other vital organs in the body. It also puts babies at risk while the mother is pregnant, if she has gum disease.
Why aren’t dentists and doctors doing enough about it? Well some are, but it is not an exciting subject to talk about, and many patients don’t like to be “lectured” during their visits. Many professionals just avoid the conversation and treat the most urgent issue at hand. Also many times the treatment is uncomfortable (or really painful) and can take many visits and cost a lot. The follow ups and follow through with active home care and regular professional care is critical. Many patients just don’t want to deal with it, and many dentists don’t know what to do about that so they let it go.
Well, that isn’t good enough anymore, is it? People want to understand their risks, have treatment (or prevention) early and as comfortably as possible. The ultimate treatment for gum disease is long term management of bad “Biofilms”, a good diet, immune system enhancement and managing other risks like smoking and diabetes. This, by default, means a better state of wellbeing. Always work on the whole person, and one thing will improve another, naturally.
Current state of the art diagnostic tools for gum disease include Digital X-rays, digital mouth probes, oral “dip stick” cultures for bacteria, health risk analysis and more. State of the art treatment includes Ultrasonic, Ozone, and Laser gum disease treatment. It is more comfortable, painless and cost and time efficient to have such high tech and laser treatment than to have surgery, with faster healing and quick recovery. Long term proper active care is critical to maintain the success of treatment.
Here are 10 signs you have gum disease, or are at risk of getting it:
1 Your gums bleed at any time (or all the time) while brushing, eating, flossing or sleeping.
2 You have chronic bad breath, loose teeth or large old fillings.
3 You have diabetes, osteoporosis or any other chronic illness.
4 You are on long-term medication or drugs.
5 You smoke and/or drink alcohol regularly.
6 You have long periods of severe stress in your life.
7 You don’t brush for two minutes twice a day, and floss every night.
8 Your family has gum disease.
9 You don’t have a regular and thorough oral cleaning for one hour with a hygienist every four to six months, and a good dentist to examine your oral health yearly.
10 Your partner doesn’t have a healthy, fresh mouth and regular care, as this is an infection that can be passed on.
For more information you can ask questions here on my blog, or go to www.lasersmile.co.nz.

