Healthy Gums and Your Overall Health

A growing body of research suggests that your gum health is closely tied to your overall well-being. Here’s how gum disease can impact different aspects of your health:

Heart Health

Moderate to severe gum disease has been linked to increased inflammation throughout the body. This systemic inflammation may contribute to a higher risk of cardiovascular issues, including stroke and heart disease—both of which are considered inflammatory conditions.

Lung Health

Studies show that maintaining good periodontal health may support better lung function, especially in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Gum disease can also elevate the risk of respiratory infections like pneumonia, potentially caused by inhaling harmful bacteria into the lungs.

Nutritional Health

Tooth loss from advanced gum disease can make it more difficult to chew nutritious foods, such as crisp fruits and vegetables. Difficulty eating may lead to poor dietary choices, which can result in nutritional deficiencies, fatigue, and dizziness.

Emotional Health

Your smile plays a big role in self-confidence and social interactions. Unfortunately, tooth loss due to gum disease is still common—in fact, U.S. dentists extract roughly 20 million teeth each year, according to the Academy of General Dentistry. Around 86% of dentists report that patients often cite social embarrassment as a major concern after losing visible teeth.