Poor oral health linked to chronic diseases

According to a new study, people with gum disease are at greater risk of suffering from multiple chronic illnesses. Researchers from three universities looked at data from UK Biobank to see if there was a link between symptoms of periodontitis and chronic diseases.

Lead author Dr Nisachon Siripaiboonpong, from University College London’s Eastman Dental Institute, said the study highlighted the significance of oral health in a wider picture of systemic diseases. He emphasised that greater care for gums could reduce the risk of multiple chronic conditions in ageing populations, a state termed as multimorbidity.

The study findings were presented at the EuroPerio11, the leading international congress in implant dentistry and periodontology. The research team assessed data provided by over 500,000 UK Biobank participants. It revealed that 57% experienced multimorbidity, with 18% showing signs of gum inflammation. People with symptoms of gum disease had 15% higher odds of succumbing to multiple chronic illnesses.

Symptoms of periodontitis (or gum disease) primarily include painful or bleeding gums, or loose teeth. People with this condition were reported to have a statistically higher prospect of enduring at least two chronic conditions, after taking into consideration additional factors such as age, smoking or weight. Periodontal inflammation causes the spread of oral bacteria through the blood, and can impact distant organs like the heart, brain or lung.

If you are concerned about gum disease and its wider implications, book a consultation with our advanced care team at Art of Dental Care – leading providers of dental implants and root canal treatment in Chester.