Gum disease is one of the most common illnesses affecting the adult population today. Nearly three out of four people have some form of gum disease, be it a simple case of gingivitis, or a more severe form of periodontitis. Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of gum disease, but it is far from the only one. Underlying illnesses like heart disease and others can cause gum disease to develop as a symptom of a more systemic problem. That is why it is important to understand how gum disease is related to heart disease and other illnesses.

If a person suffers from certain circulatory or respiratory problems, there is not a sufficient supply of oxygen reaching all of the tissues of the body. In cases of this nature, the body has its own system of ensuring that the most critical organs receive oxygen, even if other tissues have to suffer.

The most critical organs that will receive oxygen no matter what, as long as it is available, are the brain, heart, and lungs. All other organs and tissues take a back seat to these three because these are the organs that control the vital functions that feed all the rest. If an insufficient supply of oxygen is available to feed all the tissues, the mouth is relatively low in the body’s hierarchy of vital organs and tissues.

Whether the problem is caused by poor circulation or poor exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs, the result is essentially the same in terms of oxygen supply for the gums and teeth. Without adequate oxygen, certain tissues can starve and die, leading to the potential for necrotizing periodontal disease.

Another systemic disease that can be an underlying cause of gum disease is diabetes. In diabetes, the cells are either resistant to insulin, the hormone that helps cells to take in glucose to burn for energy, or the body does not produce enough insulin. Either way, the cells do not always receive adequate food to keep them alive and functioning at a normal energy level. When this happens, the potential for other problems to develop increases greatly.

One of the symptoms of diabetes is that wounds heal much more slowly and there is an increased chance of infection. Because of the nature of gum disease and the amount of bacteria present in the average mouth, the likelihood of developing pockets of infection and gum disease is almost 100 percent.

Deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and calcium, can lead to the development of gum disease as well. Any condition that affects the density of the bones, osteoporosis for example, can affect the health of the mouth. There are bones that help to hold the roots of the teeth in place. If these bones become weakened or start to crumble, the teeth become loose, may fall out, and create pockets in the mouth where bacteria can gather and cause infections.

Any disease or medication that suppresses the body’s immune system is a potential cause for gum disease. If the body’s ability to fight off infection is impaired, the bacteria in the mouth are able to multiply unhindered and cause infections in the gums that turn into gum disease.

Gum disease is a problem that is faced by the vast majority of the population. Understanding how gum disease is related to heart disease and other illnesses is one key to understanding how to create and maintain a healthier you. In many cases, gum disease may be a sign that something else is wrong and needs to be checked by a medical professional.