(NaturalHealth365)  According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of all adults have at least some degree of gum disease.  Also called periodontal disease, gum disease is caused by the build-up of a sticky substance called plaque on the teeth.

Simply put, plaque is ground zero for bacteria – which can irritate and inflame your gums.

You may have heard a rumor that having bad teeth and gums is associated with heart disease.  Unfortunately, that’s not even the whole picture.  It turns out that poor oral health is also linked with many other life-altering (and sometimes life-threatening) conditions.

Having gum disease is more dangerous than most people think

Gum disease is a frustrating and painful enough condition on its own.  Common signs and symptoms include bloody, red, painful, and swollen gums, bad breath, tooth sensitivity, and pain with chewing.

But research shows that gum disease has also been associated with erectile dysfunction, respiratory problems, and the following serious health concerns:

Heart disease

A major theory explaining why poor oral health is correlated with heart disease – the number one killer in the United States – is that inflammation in damaged and infected gums can set off a cascade of inflammation throughout the body, including the cardiovascular system.  Another theory is that bacteria from the mouth can leech into the bloodstream via infected teeth and gums, leading to infections within the heart.

A 2017 study published in the Journal of Oral Microbiology found that P. gingivalis, a type of bacteria commonly found in the mouth, is the most common bacteria in the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle!

Cancer

The link between inflammation and chronic health disease is too strong to ignore.  Gum disease, which is associated with inflammation, offers another plausible explanation for why research shows poor oral health is associated with a significantly increased cancer risk. 

Another possible explanation supported by science is that bacteria in the mouth can produce enzymes that promote tumor and cancer cell growth.

Cognitive impairment

Studies have shown that the more teeth you lose, the greater your risk for cognitive decline as you age.  Research has also shown that bacteria commonly found in the mouth can also be found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting a possible correlation between poor oral health and this life-threatening neurodegenerative disorder.

A few quick tips for improving oral health – and overall health and longevity

Take care of your teeth – you’ll regret it if you don’t!  Keep your dentist’s advice in mind by practicing these good oral health habits:

• Brush your teeth at least twice daily, ideally after each meal.
• Brush your teeth for at least two minutes using gentle motions – away from the gum tissue.
• Floss daily.
• Get your teeth checked at least once (or more) per year – depending on your health status.
• Avoid consuming foods and beverages with a lot of sugar – bacteria love sugar as much as humans do.
• Use a Hydro Floss® Oral Irrigator, on a regular basis.

Editor’s note: To learn more about the dangers of poor oral health and (more importantly) how to protect your health, own the Holistic Oral Health Summit created by NaturalHealth365 Programs.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
MedicalNewsToday.com
CDC.gov
NIH.gov
NIH.gov
NIH.gov
Wiley.com