While periodontitis is a gum infection affecting dental health, it is also associated with systemic inflammatory diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases.
Periodontitis is a severe gum infection that damages the periodontal soft tissues, potentially leading to loose teeth, tooth loss, and other serious complications. Data show that in the United States, among those 65 and older, approximately 68 percent, or two out of three, have gum disease, with nearly 20 percent experiencing complete tooth loss.
A study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity in 2023 found an association between periodontitis and more than 50 systemic inflammatory diseases and comorbidities. Periodontitis can lead to changes in the oral and gut microbiome, causing a systemic pro-inflammatory state associated with diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, pulmonary diseases, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Periodontal disease encompasses milder forms such as gingivitis and more severe forms such as periodontitis.Story continues below advertisement
A meta-analysis including 4,389,263 individuals showed that patients with periodontal disease had a:
- 24 percent increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events
- 20 percent increased risk of coronary heart disease
- 14 percent increased risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- 26 percent increased risk of stroke
- 42 percent increased risk of cardiac death
- 31 percent increased risk of all-cause mortality
Increased Risk of Diabetes
Research has found a bidirectional relationship between periodontitis and diabetes, with diabetes being a risk factor for periodontitis and periodontitis being associated with an increased risk of diabetes.A study published in Scientific Reports in 2021 showed that people with periodontitis have a 26 percent increased risk of developing diabetes compared to those without periodontitis.
Association With Gastrointestinal Diseases
Periodontitis is also related to gastritis and peptic ulcers. One study found that among participants with dyspepsia (indigestion), 65 percent tested positive for Helicobacter pylori in dental plaque. Furthermore, among patients with dyspepsia, those with periodontitis had a significantly higher percentage of Helicobacter pylori in dental plaque and stomach compared to those without periodontitis. Helicobacter pylori is a pathogen responsible for gastritis and peptic ulcers and is also a risk factor for gastric cancer. These findings suggest that the oral cavity may serve as a reservoir for Helicobacter pylori.Another systematic review discussed the impact of periodontal therapy on Helicobacter pylori infection. Among patients who received both anti-Helicobacter pylori therapy and periodontal therapy for three months, 77.3 percent achieved eradication of Helicobacter pylori in the stomach, compared to just 47.6 percent of patients who completed only anti-Helicobacter pylori therapy.
The association between periodontal disease and systemic diseases can be explained through inflammation and the immune response to periodontal pathogens. Periodontitis is characterized by pathological changes resulting from dysbiosis of the oral microbiome. Bacterial infections may affect the oral microbiome, which in turn impacts systemic inflammatory diseases. Therefore, treating periodontitis can improve overall health and quality of life.
How to Prevent Periodontal Disease?
The main cause of periodontal disease is the bacterial plaque that adheres to the surface of the teeth. If not effectively cleaned, these bacteria can cause persistent inflammation in the mouth, leading to damage to the periodontal tissues and the development of periodontal disease.Story continues below advertisement
Most cases of periodontal disease can be prevented by managing dental plaque, and cleaning teeth is one effective way to reduce plaque. Dr. Tsai Ya Lan, a dentist at the Enjoy Dental Clinic in Taiwan, told The Epoch Times that she recommends choosing toothpaste containing chlorine dioxide, mineral salts, and gel-like ingredients, as these components are effective in removing dental plaque and preventing periodontal disease.
Ritsugaku Ken, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner at Kurashiki Heisei Hospital in Okayama, Japan, recommends choosing a toothpaste that contains herbal ingredients such as calcium carbonate abrasives, peppermint oil, green tea, chamomile plant extracts, and bamboo salt. Calcium carbonate abrasives can assist in the removal of dental plaque and tooth stains when brushing. Various herbal ingredients exhibit antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, microbial growth-inhibiting, antiviral, and antioxidant properties, which can effectively improve periodontal conditions. When it comes to sweeteners in toothpaste, it is advisable to opt for natural sweeteners such as xylitol and mannitol.
Research has shown that the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and osteogenic properties of traditional Chinese medicine ginseng are beneficial for oral health. A study indicated that Korean red ginseng offers numerous health benefits, including antioxidant, antitumor, antimutagenic, and immunomodulatory activities. It can also attenuate lymphocyte DNA damage and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation.
A study published in the Japanese journal Clinical Examination in 2012 showed that Unitein, a natural bioactive substance primarily made from red ginseng, exhibits significant effects against chronic diseases. Masayuki Shono, the lead author of the study and a researcher at Tokushima University in Japan, stated that combining the consumption of Unitein with treatment for chronic diseases enhances its effectiveness.
Chien-Tung Wu, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner in Taiwan, shared with Epoch Times, “From my own experience, I’ve found that using Unitein toothpaste, which helps repair gum recession, has significantly sped up my recovery from mouth ulcers.” Unitein toothpaste, containing red ginseng bacillus, is effective in treating oral wounds, thereby improving gingivitis and periodontitis.
Dr. Tsai advises patients with periodontal disease to seek professional dental care and develop a tailored treatment plan based on their oral conditions. By addressing the issue at its core, they may avoid the various health risks mentioned above.
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