What is the Link between Gum Disease and Kidney Disease?

Chronic kidney disease significantly impacts the lives of millions of people in America. It is also one of the main causes of death in the United States.

Gum disease can result in mouth infections and even cause issues for those with kidney disease. Many researchers have shown a connection between gum or periodontal disease to numerous health conditions like asthma, diabetes, osteoporosis, and kidney disease.

Research from University of Birmingham school of dentistry in the UK suggests a causal affect between gum inflammation and kidney function. The findings may lead to better management of patients with chronic kidney disease, as reducing risk factors for gum disease could offer systemic benefits, as well. The results showed that a 10% increase in gingival inflammation reduce kidney function by 3%. This finding also revealed that a 10% reduction in kidney function increases gum inflammation by 25%.

When the body has an oral infection, inflammation occurs to gear on the defense system. This inflammation curbs the infection present. But few lingering infections can cause chronic inflammation. Getting periodontal disease treatment near you is the best way to minimize the progression of kidney disease. Remember, getting preventive dental care is much less than paying for dialysis or a kidney transplant.

What is a Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a common inflammatory disease. It results in shifting teeth, gum bleeding, or even loss of a tooth. Gum disease occurs when the plaque collects on the teeth with time. If you see gum bleeding after you brush, it can indicate an early stage of gum disease known as gingivitis.

When the hardened plaque is left for a long time, it creates tartar. But it can form to the point that causes the gums to pull away from the teeth. It creates pockets that allow bacteria and food to collect, which results in infection. This advanced stage of gum disease is known as periodontitis.

What is A Kidney Disease?

Kidney disease occurs when the kidneys are damaged and fail to filter waste and additional water out of the blood. You may not feel the signs till it advances. The treatment of kidney failure includes a kidney transplant or dialysis.

What is the Connection?

As we know, our mouth is the gateway to our body. So, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream via the gums. Numerous individuals have gum disease, but they do not know they have it. If you come under this category and fail to get routine dental exams and cleanings, you increase the risk for the rest of your body.

The Journal of Clinical Periodontology claimed that those with kidney disease and on dialysis are more prone to developing periodontal disease and other dental health issues. Since people with kidney disease have weak immune systems, they are more likely to have infections in the mouth.

One research has stated that the imbalance of oxygen-producing free radicals of the body and the antioxidant cells could be why gum disease and chronic kidney disease significantly affect each other.

Tips to Reduce the Risk of Gum Disease

Gum diseases are treatable and preventable when identified in the early stages. The American Dental Association advises patients to:

• Use the correct brushing method to clean the teeth.
• Floss two times a day.
• Seeing the dentist 92064 regularly or dental checkups and professional cleaning.

Other suggestions include:

• To increase saliva production, try to use sugar-free gum or sugarless candies.
• Use fluoridated toothpaste to strengthen teeth against the formation of cavities.
• The medicines used to treat kidney diseases can lead to a dry mouth.
• Make sure you carefully clean your partial or full denture every day and eliminate it at night to prevent the formation of ulcers or sore spots.

Understanding Oral Health Challenges in People with Chronic Kidney Disease

Those with chronic kidney disease are more likely to have poor dental health. It’s due to the systemic effects of these conditions. Many studies have shown that uremic patients have a higher rate of filled teeth, missing teeth, decayed teeth, mouth lesions, and loss of teeth than the general population.

Also, the repercussions of poor oral health are worse for chronic kidney disease patients due to medicines, advancing age, weak immune systems, and diabetes.

Gum disease makes it difficult to eat, and causes pain, and a bad smell from the mouth. The germs that cause it may move all across the body, mainly when a person has a weak immune system. As you know, the infection can be dangerous and result in hospitalization. Therefore, if you have kidney disease or are on dialysis, inform the dentist in Poway, CA at Heavenly Smiles Dentist clinic immediately.