Mouth - Body Connection
The Mouth-Body Connection: Why Gum Health Matters
Brought to you by Descanso Smiles: Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
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Did You Know Your Gum Health Affects Your Whole Body?
Research has shown a strong connection between periodontal (gum) disease and chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, pregnancy complications, and respiratory illnesses.
Periodontal disease is more than just red or bleeding gums—it’s a chronic inflammatory condition marked by infection below the gum line and an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. Preventing or treating gum disease is not only essential for protecting your teeth and jawbone—it may also lower your risk for serious systemic conditions.
Common Health Conditions Linked to Gum Disease:
Diabetes
There’s a two-way connection between gum disease and diabetes:
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Gum infection can raise blood sugar levels, making diabetes harder to control.
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Diabetes reduces the body’s ability to fight bacteria, allowing oral infections to progress faster.
High sugar levels in the mouth also feed the bacteria that cause gum inflammation. Together, this creates a cycle that can worsen both conditions.
❤️ Heart Disease
Oral bacteria don’t just stay in the mouth—they can enter the bloodstream and:
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Attach to coronary arteries, contributing to plaque buildup and blood clots
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Trigger inflammation, which may increase the risk of heart attacks and worsen existing cardiovascular conditions
The American Academy of Periodontology notes that people with strong inflammatory responses to gum bacteria are at a higher risk for heart disease.
Pregnancy Complications
Hormonal changes during pregnancy, puberty, and menopause can make the gums more vulnerable to disease. Pregnant women with gum disease may face:
Gum infection increases prostaglandin levels—a chemical that triggers labor—and elevates C-reactive proteins, both of which may contribute to early delivery and complications.
️ Respiratory Disease
Gum bacteria can be inhaled into the lungs and may:
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Worsen respiratory conditions like emphysema, pneumonia, or COPD
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Cause repeated infections, especially in those with weakened immune systems
Inflamed gums can also lead to inflammation in the lungs, making breathing issues more severe.
Your Oral Health Is a Key Part of Your Overall Health
At Descanso Smiles, we take a whole-body approach to oral care. Preventing and treating gum disease isn't just about saving teeth—it’s about protecting your overall health, especially if you're managing other chronic conditions.
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