The Link Between Gum Disease and Systemic Health

Periodontal disease is a long-term gum and bone infection. Because it involves bacteria and ongoing inflammation, it has been linked with several systemic diseases.

How Can Gum Disease Affect Systemic Health?

Periodontal disease, an advanced form of gum disease, is a deeper gum infection that affects the gums and the bone that holds your teeth in place. When gums are irritated, they can swell and bleed more easily. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream during normal activities like brushing, flossing, or chewing.

Your body responds by turning on the immune system, which creates inflammation. Over time, that can add to inflammation in other parts of the body. This is why researchers talk about a link between gum disease and systemic health. It does not mean gum disease automatically causes systemic disease, but it can add to the body’s overall inflammation, especially if other risk factors are present.  

Thus, periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, can be a risk factor for many systemic diseases such as, but not limited to, heart disease, strokes, diabetes and pregnancy issues. 

Systemic Conditions Linked to Periodontal Disease

Evidence shows links between periodontal disease and several systemic conditions. The connection is thought to involve chronic inflammation and the movement of oral bacteria into the bloodstream, especially when other risk factors are present.

Cardiovascular Disease

Studies have found that people with periodontitis have a higher risk of heart and blood vessel problems, including heart attack and stroke. One reason may be inflammation. Another is that oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream. The plaque on teeth is not the same as plaque in arteries, but gum infection can add to the body’s overall inflammation.

Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes can increase the risk of gum disease and make it harder for gums to heal. At the same time, gum infection can make blood sugar harder to manage because inflammation can increase insulin resistance. 

Diabetes is also associated with a higher risk of peri-implantitis, an inflammatory condition that affects the tissues around dental implants. For some patients, treating periodontal disease supports better diabetes control over time.

Respiratory Diseases

Bacteria in the mouth can be breathed into the lungs, especially in older adults and people with chronic respiratory conditions. Keeping the mouth healthier can lower the amount of bacteria that could be inhaled, which may support respiratory health.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Gum disease is more common in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Both conditions involve inflammation, and they may influence each other. Treating gum disease helps lower inflammation in the mouth, which may be helpful for patients managing inflammatory conditions.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Researchers have also studied a possible connection between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease. The most likely explanation is long-term inflammation over many years. Right now, the evidence supports an association, but it does not prove that gum disease directly causes Alzheimer’s.

Support Whole-Body Health With Periodontal Therapy

Periodontal therapy helps reduce bacteria below the gumline and calm inflammation, supporting healthier gums, bone and overall oral health. At Periodontal Associates, our care is focused on controlling gum infection and maintaining long-term gum and bone health.

To book an appointment at our Aurora location, call (303) 755-4500. To book an appointment at our Centennial location, call (303) 795-5700. 

FAQs