Can Gum Disease Cause Mental Health Issues?

As reported in Medical News Today, a University of Birmingham (United Kingdom) study carried out in collaboration with the University of Oxford and other British organizations “finds that periodontal disease is associated with the development of a range of serious health issues” and that “with gum health problems affecting many adults, links to these and other conditions are especially concerning.”

Of nearly 61,000 patient records with a history of periodontal disease, the risk of developing mental health issues was found to be 37%. Researchers discovered that the patients with a history of periodontal disease were more likely, over an average of three years, to be diagnosed with other issues (including autoimmune disease and cardiovascular disease) as compared to individuals in the cohort study who did not present with periodontal disease at the start of the research.

The average age of the cohort (comparing different groups) study was 45, with each individual’s health monitored over a period of 3.4 years. Said study co-author John Singh Chandan, MD: “Our study was the most comprehensive of its kind and the results provided vital confirmation of evidence which has previously either been lacking in strength or has had gaps – particularly the association between oral ill-health and mental ill-health.”

Gum Disease is Related to Other Health Conditions

Periodontal (gum) disease is often called the “silent killer” because you may not even know you have it until the disease is advanced. This study is just one more example of evidence showing a definitive relationship between periodontal disease and other general health conditions. It’s also another reason we hope individuals address any oral health issues promptly and regularly with their dental health professionals.

Early symptoms of gum disease can include chronic bad breath, pain when chewing or other sensitivity. Don’t wait until your teeth become loose and more advanced professional gum disease treatment and/or surgery is required.

Contact us today at one of our two convenient locations in either NE Philadelphia (267-677-8686) or Ambler, PA (215-643-4393) to arrange a consultation. No referrals are necessary!