In a new study from the University of Birmingham, researchers found an increased risk of patients developing illnesses including mental ill-health and heart conditions if they have a history of periodontal (gum) disease.
They carried out a first-of-its-kind study of the GP records of 64,379 patients who had a GP-inputted recorded history of periodontal disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis (the condition that occurs if gum disease is left untreated and can lead to tooth loss).
Of these, 60,995 had gingivitis and 3,384 had periodontitis. These patients’ records were compared to those of 251,161 patients who had no record of periodontal disease.
The team discovered that those patients with a recorded history of gum disease were more likely to go on and be diagnosed with one of these additional conditions over an average of three years.
In patients with a recorded history of periodontal disease at the start of the study, the increased risk of developing mental ill-health was 37%, while the risk of developing autoimmune disease was increased by 33%.
The risk of developing heart disease was raised by 18%, while the risk of having a cardiometabolic disorder was increased by 7% (with the increased risk much higher for Type 2 diabetes at 26%).
The team says when oral ill-health progresses, it can lead to a substantially reduced quality of life.
This study found evidence that gum disease appears to be associated with an increased risk of developing these associated chronic diseases.
As gum diseases are very common, an increased risk of other chronic diseases may represent a substantial public health burden.
An important implication of the findings is the need for effective communication between dental and other healthcare professionals.
This can ensure patients obtain an effective treatment plan targeting both oral and wider health to improve their existing overall health and reduce the risk of future illness.
If you care about tooth health, please read studies about mouthwash that may increase your tooth damage, and findings of common tooth disease that may increase risks of dementia.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about important cause of grey hair, and results showing this walking exercise could keep older people fit and health.
The study is published in BMJ Open. One author of the study is Dr. Joht Singh Chandan.
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