Gum Disease and Digestive Disorders

Are you experiencing long-term stomach issues that don’t seem related to a virus or other illness? Have you visited your general practitioner or gastroenterologist and been asked if you have gum disease? If so, here’s why:

While any “gut” issues should always be thoroughly checked out by your medical practitioner, they could indeed be related to your oral health. Growing evidence points to the relationship between gut health and severe gum disease, called periodontitis. The thought is that harmful oral bacteria enters the bloodstream or is swallowed and enters the digestive tract which then has a negative impact on your gut health.

Image of Digestive TrackSevere gum disease may be related to an increased risk of chronic digestive disorders like GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Some studies link periodontal disease with gastritis, which is inflammation of the stomach lining. Other studies discuss the oral-gut relationship in terms of inflammatory bowel disease – like ulcerative colitis, intermediate colitis and Crohn’s disease. The list seems to, unfortunately, increase each year.

What Proactive Steps Can You Take?

As always, visiting your dental practitioners regularly, maintaining your oral health at home, limiting sugary foods and stopping smoking will help prevent gum disease in the first place.

If you think you may have gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease (and the stage that is reversible), don’t hesitate to seek help from one of our periodontal specialists. Bad breath, sore or sensitive gums and bleeding when brushing are some of the symptoms of gum disease.

When gum disease is in its earliest stage, you may not experience any negative symptoms, which is another reason why it’s important to visit your dentist.  With professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene at home we can reverse gingivitis and manage later stages of gum disease to help you keep your natural teeth.

Don’t let gum disease affect your smile —and digestive health. If you think you may have gum disease, please don’t hesitate to contact either our NE Philadelphia or Ambler office for a consultation.