According to The Canadian Dental Health Association, research has shown there is an association between oral disease and other health problems, such as diabetes and certain kinds of pneumonia.

There may even be a link between oral disease and other health problems like heart disease and stroke, as well as pre-term and low birth weight babies. Although researchers are just beginning to understand this relationship, evidence shows that oral disease can aggravate other health problems and that keeping a healthy mouth is an important part of leading a healthy life.

Look for warning signs of periodontal disease (gum disease). Gum disease is one of the main reasons why adults lose their teeth. The warning signs include:
• Red, shiny, puffy, sore or sensitive gums
• Bleeding when you brush or floss
• Bad breath that won’t go away

Ontario Dental Hygienist Association says periodontal (gum) disease is one of the most common human diseases. It’s an infectious condition that can result in the destruction of gum tissue and bone.

If left untreated, the bacteria that cause gum disease may travel through the blood stream increasing the chance of heart disease, stroke, respiratory diseases and pregnancy complications.

How gum disease develops
Gum disease starts with the formation of hard and soft deposits on the surface of the teeth. Over time, a buildup of bacteria called plaque collects at the gum line, eventually hardening on the teeth into deposits called calculus or tartar.

Without proper oral care, these bacteria can cause inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), penetrate the gum line and finally spread into the underlying bone (periodontitis). If left untreated, the infection can eventually lead to shrinking gums, loose teeth, abscesses and, ultimately, loss of teeth.

What you can do If you have gum disease and/or are at risk for heart disease, stroke or respiratory diseases, it is particularly important to pay attention to your oral health. With regular, proper oral care, gum disease can be controlled and sometimes even stopped or reversed.

Health Canada says gum disease is an inflammation of the gums, which may also affect the bone supporting the teeth. Plaque is a sticky colourless film of bacteria that constantly builds up, thickens and hardens on the teeth. If it is not removed through daily brushing and flossing, this plaque can harden into tartar and may contribute to infections in the gums.

Left untreated, gum disease can lead to the loss of teeth and an increased risk of more serious diseases, including heart disease and stroke. The bacteria in plaque can travel from the mouth into the bloodstream, and has been linked to the clogging of arteries and damage to heart valves. The same bacteria can also travel to the lungs, causing infection or aggravating existing lung conditions.

There is also a link between diabetes and gum disease. People with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease, and it can put them at greater risk of diabetic complications.

Oral health is also important for pregnant women. Studies show that pregnant women with gum disease might be at a higher risk of delivering pre-term, low birth weight babies than women without gum disease. Babies who are pre-term or low birth weight have a higher risk of developmental complications, asthma, ear infections, birth abnormalities, behavioural difficulties and a higher risk of infant death.

Maintaining good oral health includes keeping teeth free from cavities and preventing gum disease. Poor oral health can affect your appearance and self-esteem, and has been linked to sleeping problems, as well as behavioural and developmental problems in children. Poor oral health can also affect your ability to chew and digest food properly.

The health of your gums, teeth and mouth are very important to your overall health. There is definitive research that shows the connection between poor oral health and systemic disease such as diabetes in people of all ages and respiratory diseases particularly among elderly people.

New research is now pointing to possible connections between oral health and other systemic conditions such as heart disease and premature, low birth weight babies. Although researchers are still learning about the links between oral health and general health, oral disease itself can cause pain, tooth loss and bad breath.