Research has established a clear link between gum diseases and an increased risk of other diseases of the body. Periodontal diseases can contribute to building up of plaque on the surface of the teeth while at the same time also contributing to a high amount of plaque build-up in the arteries of the body. Blood vessels caked with plaque can increase the chances of cardiovascular diseases. Research conducted across the world are revealing newer connections between gum diseases and certain types of cancer such as oral cancers, breast cancer cancers in the head and neck pancreatic cancer etc.

What exactly is periodontal disease or gum disease?

Periodontal disease is also called periodontitis. It is commonly known as gum disease. When food debris is not cleaned out adequately from the surface of the teeth, it will attract bacteria which secretes acid. Plaque is a build-up of food debris, mucus, and bacteria. You can slowly get into small nooks and crannies of the teeth. If you do not adequately brush or floss, this plaque that is deposited on the teeth can lead to inflammation and infection of the teeth and gums.

The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. At this stage, the most common indication is that the gums have become red. When you brush your teeth or you bite on some hard food, you will notice a tendency for the gums to bleed very easily. It is possible for gingivitis to be reversed if it is treated early. Periodontal disease is an advanced version of gingivitis. In this disease, deep pockets are formed between the teeth and gums as the gums recede or pull away from the teeth. When the root of the tooth is not protected by the gums, the bone as well as the ligaments that provide support to the teeth will begin to slowly break down. The teeth will come out and become very loose in their pockets. If the gum diseases are left untreated, but it may eventually come out all together and will lead to put loss.

Is there a connection between periodontal disease and oral cancer?

Large colonies of bacteria live on the teeth surface. This includes both helpful and harmful bacteria. This community of bacteria collectively is usually referred to as the oral biofilm. When the bacteria get ramp if they block that is developed between the teeth, they produce deadly pathogens that give rise to inflammation of the gums and cause them to get infected. This pathogenic bacteria secret toxin which get into your blood the immune system immediately reacts to save you by triggering the production of CRP in the bloodstream. CRP or c-reactive proteins in high concentration in the blood can give rise to low grade chronic inflammation which can have an effect on your general health.

If you neglect the gum disease and do not get it treated, the body will slowly adjust to this heightened state of inflammation. This will generally make your immune system less responsive to attacks from other pathogens. Over a period of time, your immunity will weaken considerably. The damage caused to your immune system can give rise to conditions in the body for development of oral cancer. There are a large number of research studies that have found that gum disease is one of the most significant indicators of high risk in developing oral cancer, in patients who smoke and drink alcohol as well as in those who do not smoke or drink at all.

Studies in the first decade of 2000 found that with every millimetre of bone that is lost because of gum disease, there is a slight increase in the risk of developing lung cancer. Other studies also show that bone loss due to gum disease is connected to a very high increase in the risk of neck and head cancer including oral cancer, larynx cancer and cancer in the back of the throat and mouth.

Loss of teeth is also another factor that indicates high risk for developing oral cancer. After making adequate adjustments for smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol, studies found that people who have lost more than 20 had a higher risk of developing oral cancer than those who did not lose anything at all. The risk was seen to be higher in people who smoked as well as consumed alcohol.

All of the studies performed across the world make it evidently clear that oral hygiene is extremely important. Not only can it give you a healthy and attractive smile, you can actually save your health and your life.

It is recommended that a dental examination is done at least once in every 6 months. The advantage of a half yearly dental check-up is that you will be able to identify any problems in the teeth or mouth at the earliest, and your dentist will suggest necessary precautions and treatment plans to treat the condition.