All articles tagged with #gum disease
Cardiologist Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj says flossing is a simple daily habit that can protect heart health by reducing gum inflammation and systemic inflammation, potentially adding years to life; however, about 80% of adults still overlook it.
Gum disease and oral bacteria are increasingly linked to systemic health problems such as cardiovascular disease, stroke and diabetes, with inflammation and bloodstream spread playing key roles; while causality is complex, evidence suggests a real impact, and maintaining good oral hygiene (brushing twice daily, flossing) and reducing sugar intake is advised, though access to NHS dental care remains challenging for many.
Researchers found that interrupting quorum sensing in dental plaque using lactonases can shift the mouth’s microbial balance toward health-associated bacteria and reduce disease-linked microbes, with effects that depend on oxygen levels above and below the gums; this approach aims to preserve a healthy microbiome rather than kill all bacteria and could inform broader dysbiosis-related therapies.
A new study suggests a bacterium linked to gum disease can speed breast cancer tumor growth after entering the bloodstream, highlighting a potential connection between oral health and cancer progression.
Researchers have developed a microbiome-friendly toothpaste that uses a targeted compound to inhibit the gum-disease pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis without disrupting the broader oral microbiome, allowing beneficial bacteria to rebalance the mouth and potentially reduce periodontitis. The approach, developed with PerioTrap and Fraunhofer institutes, also spawns post-cleaning products like a care gel, with ongoing development of additional oral-care solutions.
A global review of more than 200 studies finds up to one-third of dementia cases are linked to diseases outside the brain, with gum disease, chronic liver disease, hearing loss, vision loss, and type 2 diabetes showing the strongest associations. While causality isn’t proven, researchers say preventing peripheral diseases could help mitigate dementia risk and may explain why brain-focused treatments have often failed, highlighting a complex brain–body network and new directions for prevention and research.
A review by the American Heart Association highlights the strong link between gum disease and increased risk of heart disease, emphasizing that maintaining good oral hygiene can help reduce inflammation and potentially lower the risk of cardiovascular problems. The evidence suggests that bacteria from damaged gums may enter the bloodstream, contributing to arterial clogging, and that treating periodontal disease can improve markers associated with heart disease. The researchers call for further studies to explore whether periodontal treatment can directly reduce cardiovascular risk, underscoring the importance of oral health for overall well-being.
Researchers have discovered that disrupting bacterial communication signals in dental plaque using enzymes can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and potentially prevent gum disease, offering a new approach to maintaining oral health without harming good bacteria.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the association between gum disease and increased risk of cardiovascular events, emphasizing that prevention and treatment of periodontal disease may help reduce cardiovascular disease risk, although causality has not been definitively established.
Scientists at the University of Minnesota discovered that disrupting bacterial communication signals, specifically AHLs, in the mouth can promote healthier oral bacteria and potentially prevent gum disease by maintaining a balanced microbiome. The effectiveness of this approach varies with oxygen levels, offering new avenues for targeted periodontal therapies.
A study suggests a link between gum disease and increased white matter damage in the brain, indicating that poor oral health may contribute to brain health issues like stroke and cognitive decline, though further research is needed.
A study finds a link between gum disease and increased white matter hyperintensities in the brain, which are associated with memory, balance, and stroke risk, suggesting oral health may impact brain health, especially in older adults.
A two-year study suggests that intensive treatment of gum disease through deep cleaning can slow artery thickening and improve blood vessel function, potentially reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes by about 10% annually, highlighting the importance of oral health in cardiovascular prevention.
The article highlights that two common dental issues, gum disease and periodontal disease, are linked to an 86% higher risk of stroke, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good oral health to reduce stroke risk.
A 21-year study found that individuals with both gum disease and cavities have nearly double the risk of stroke compared to those with good oral health, highlighting the importance of oral hygiene in stroke prevention.