The short answer to the question ‘can gum disease kill you?’ is no. But…
Inflammation and infection associated with gum disease may increase the risk for cardiovascular problems. This includes coronary artery disease, stroke, atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction (more commonly known as heart attack). So, while periodontitis itself may not be life-threatening, it is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease—which is a leading cause of death.
Let’s dive a little deeper into gum disease complications. Find out how periodontal disease and tooth loss can affect long-term health and mortality.
What starts off as gingivitis, a mild and curable form of gum disease, can progress to periodontitis if left untreated. Periodontitis is a serious, advanced form of gum disease that causes irreversible damage to the ligaments and bone that support your teeth.
The primary cause of gum disease is plaque. Plaque contains bacteria and builds up around the teeth and along the gum line. If the plaque is not effectively cleaned away it turns into tartar (AKA calculus). Without professional dental care, the tartar causes inflammation and swelling of the gum tissue.
This inflammation can lead to progressive destruction of the ligaments and bone around the teeth. Pockets form between the teeth and gums and become deeper over time. Plaque and tartar move under the gum line, where they’re difficult to remove. In the later stages of periodontitis, the teeth can become loose and may need to be removed.
There is growing evidence linking our oral health and overall health. In particular, positive associations have been found between periodontitis, tooth loss and cardiovascular disease.
Studies show that dental infections are linked with an increased prevalence of heart disease. In the case of late stage periodontitis and tooth loss, the oral cavity is the main site of inflammation and infection.
With regards to periodontitis, the exact biological function that causes an inflammatory response in other areas of the body isn't fully understood. It could be that oral bacteria triggers an increase in inflammatory markers elsewhere in the body. Another suggestion is that cytokines released by the inflamed gum tissues might travel through the bloodstream, leading to inflammation throughout the body.
There’s also the possibility that there may be compounding variables at play, such as smoking or behavioural/lifestyle-associated triggers (lack of physical activity, unhealthy diet etc).
Certainly, the evidence so far suggests that periodontitis is a risk indicator of death due to cardiovascular disease, particularly where the individual has other established risk factors such as smoking.
Several studies have shown a link between tooth loss and all-cause mortality. In one study, having 20 or more teeth at age 70 was associated with a lower 5-year mortality rate. In other words, tooth loss is linked with a shorter life span.
A systematic review of studies on this topic found that having missing teeth was not only linked with all-cause mortality, but cardiovascular-associated mortality as well.
Possible reasons for this include:
Despite increasing evidence linking oral health and human mortality, the relationship is poorly understood. While there’s a link between the number of remaining teeth and mortality, this connection is indirect. In other words, tooth loss doesn’t directly cause higher mortality, there’s simply an association. It’s important to consider the many other influencing factors. This includes lifestyle and behavioural habits, access to preventative healthcare and even life aspirations. For example, someone who wishes to live a long life is more likely to take good care of their overall health.
The link (albeit indirect) between oral disease, tooth loss and increased risk of death is interesting, but don’t just seek treatment because you’re worried about having a heart attack. Regular dental appointments are the key to identifying and preventing the progression of gum disease.
If, at any stage of your life, gum disease treatment is needed, the aim is to get your oral health back on track. We want you to maintain your natural teeth for as long as possible. All the other health benefits that come from healthy teeth and good oral habits are a bonus. What’s more, people who invest in their oral health are more likely to engage in other healthy habits, which may improve their chance of living a long and happy life.
Let us help you find the exact causes of your disease, and guide you to the best treatment or management solution.
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