Gum Disease and Gut Health: How Swell in Gums Can Impact Overall Health

At our Seaside dental clinic, Dr. Santos knows that a patient’s teeth can provide a lot of information about their health, diet, age, and identity. The health of a patient’s teeth and oral tissues can even give Dr. Santos clues about their overall health, including clues to health issues that don’t even originate in the mouth. Some serious issues like cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, and diabetes have all been linked to poor oral health in studies. Now, researchers from the University of Michigan Medical and Dental School have discovered that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, may also become exacerbated in patients with poor oral health and a swell in gums. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are both types of inflammatory bowel diseases, which can be influenced by oral health.

The results of the study were published in the journal Cell).

Oral and Gut Health: Linked for Better Well-being

The term IBD references two conditions, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Both of these conditions are hallmarked by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The exact cause of IBD is unknown, but the condition affects roughly three million adults in the U.S.

As part of the study, researchers noted a connection between an overgrowth of foreign bacterial species in the stomachs of patients with IBD. This type of bacteria is normally found in the mouth. This discovery prompted researchers to further explore whether oral disease and a swell in gums can impact the severity of certain types of gastrointestinal diseases.

While the precise mechanism that enables an oral infection to contribute to the development of stomach ailments remains unclear, the findings of the study clearly showed that gum inflammation causes inflammation in the stomach to worsen.

Researchers discovered two pathways where oral bacteria worsened stomach inflammation. In the first pathway, severe gum disease created an imbalance in the mouth’s normally healthy microbiome that led to an increase of bacteria that causes gum inflammation and a swell in gums. This same type of bacteria can then make its way to the stomach.

Gum disease leads to the increased presence of harmful oral bacteria in the mouth. When harmful bacteria build up, it can then be ingested and travel to the stomach. Once there, the bacteria can cause inflammation to develop in the stomach, reports the research team.

While the stomach usually resists the buildup of foreign bacteria, harmful oral bacteria has the ability to disrupt healthy stomach bacteria, thereby weakening their ability to resist disease causing bacteria that originates from the mouth, according to the research team.

The second pathway noted by researchers shows that gum disease activates the immune system’s T cells in the mouth. Those T cells then travel to the stomach where they also contribute to a worsening of stomach inflammation.

Together, both pathways enable oral bacteria to contribute to the development of IBD. First, oral bacteria weaken the stomach’s ability to fight off infection. Second, the body’s response to harmful oral bacteria triggers an immune system response that also contributes to a weakening of the stomach. Overall, these two forms of attack contribute to a weakening of the stomach and a higher risk for IBD.

Factors Affecting Gum Health

Gum health is influenced by a variety of interconnected factors that extend beyond just brushing and flossing. One of the most significant influences is the oral-gut axis, which highlights the relationship between the oral microbiome and the gut microbiome. When the gut microbiome becomes imbalanced—a condition known as gut dysbiosis—it can trigger systemic inflammation that negatively impacts gum health. This means that issues in the digestive system can manifest as problems in the oral cavity, and vice versa, underscoring the importance of a healthy oral gut axis for overall well-being.

Poor oral hygiene is another major contributor to gum disease, as it allows harmful bacteria to thrive in the mouth. Additionally, consuming a diet high in sugary and acidic foods can erode gum health by creating an environment where damaging bacteria flourish. Maintaining a healthy oral environment, therefore, requires not only good oral hygiene practices but also attention to the health of the gut and the foods we eat. By supporting both the oral and gut microbiomes, individuals can help protect their gum health and overall well-being.

Gum Disease

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. It develops when harmful oral bacteria accumulate along the gumline, leading to inflammation, bleeding gums, and, if left untreated, severe gum disease and tooth loss. Beyond its impact on dental health, gum disease has been linked to a range of systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions that affect systemic health.

Preventing gum disease starts with maintaining good oral hygiene—regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings are essential. A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables also plays a crucial role, as it helps reduce the presence of harmful oral bacteria and supports the body’s natural defenses. By prioritizing both a balanced diet and consistent oral care, individuals can lower their risk of periodontal disease and its associated health complications, supporting both their dental and overall health.

Diet and Nutrition

The foods we eat have a profound impact on both oral health and gut health. A balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, and vegetables provides essential nutrients that foster the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome, which in turn supports a healthy immune system and helps prevent digestive disorders. Conversely, diets high in sugary and processed foods can disrupt the healthy balance of good and bad bacteria in the oral cavity and gut, leading to gut dysbiosis and systemic inflammation.

Nutrient deficiencies can also weaken the body’s ability to fight oral infections, making the gums more susceptible to gum disease and other oral health issues. Incorporating probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt and kefir, can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome and support the oral environment. Regular dental check-ups, combined with a balanced diet, are key to preventing gum disease and promoting overall well-being. By making mindful dietary choices and practicing good oral hygiene, individuals can protect both their oral and overall health.

A Healthier Mouth = A Healthier Body

Visiting our Seaside dental clinic can dramatically help to lower your risk from a variety of serious health problems. Patients who receive regular cleanings, dental exams, and checkups have their risk for developing severe gum disease significantly reduced. Additionally, patients with gum disease can receive treatment from Dr. Santos that can help to restores their gums back to health. Maintaining healthy gums is essential not only for preventing periodontal disease but also for reducing the risk of systemic health issues, including gut health problems.

Whether increasing your risk for IBD or another serious health problem, researchers have consistently found that the healthier our mouths, the healthier our bodies. A healthy mouth is a foundation for overall well-being, supporting both oral and gut health. During this time of COVID-19, it’s more important than ever that patients take their oral health seriously. Maintaining oral health plays a key role in reducing the risk of systemic diseases. Tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss may seem inconsequential during a pandemic, but untreated gum disease only further weakens our immune systems. Now, when we need our immune systems working at full capacity is no time to ignore our oral health. The connection between oral health and IBD highlights the importance of oral and gut health and their interconnectedness. Supporting gut health through good oral hygiene and dietary choices helps maintain a balanced gut microbiome, which supports immune function and overall health.

Contact our Seaside dental clinic to schedule your next dental exam and cleaning. If you have any questions about the health benefits of maintaining both oral and gut health, or about the impact poor oral health can have on your overall health, feel free to ask any member of our team during your next visit to Seaside Family Dentistry.