Tag: Gum Disease

An Important and Overlooked Cause of Alzheimer’s

Researchers have long linked gum disease to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Research has revealed that inflamed, bleeding gums are the entry point for a disease-causing bacteria to get into the bloodstream and trigger issues that can lead to dementia. That means dentists could be a first line of defense against cognitive decline—if only…


Study Examines CoQ10’s Benefit for Gum Disease

It’s not entirely unusual for a dentist to suggest coenzyme Q10 as a good anti-inflammatory supplement for preventing or treating early stages of gum disease. But a new study raises skepticism. The molecule—often referred to as CoQ10—is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties. CoQ10 deficiencies have been found to be deficient in patients with periodontal disease,…


Can a Dental Infection Cause a Massive Heart Attack?

For literally hundreds of years now, the idea that a dental infection could seed, initiate, and promote virtually all chronic degenerative diseases has been hotly debated in the medical and dental communities, often with much more passion and hyperbole than with science. This “debate” continues today, and nothing encapsulates this focal infection link between the…


Unhealthy Gums Could Up Your Odds for Dementia

Gum disease has far-reaching effects and may increase your odds of developing dementia, a new study suggests. In a review of 47 previously published studies, researchers in Finland found that tooth loss, deep pockets around teeth in the gums, or bone loss in the tooth sockets was tied to a 21% higher risk of dementia…


Gum Inflammation Can Raise Arthritis Risk

Inflammation in the gums can increase susceptibility to other forms of inflammation, such as arthritis, through changes to immune cell precursors in the bone marrow, according to new research. The immune system remembers. Often this memory, primed by past encounters with threats like bacteria or viruses, is an asset. But when that memory is sparked by internal…


Gum Disease Increases Risk of Mental Health Problems by 37%

A collaborative study led by researchers at the University of Birmingham looked at 64,379 people’s medical records and discovered that patients with periodontal disease have a 37 percent higher risk of developing mental health illness. The study, published in BMJ Open, also found that 60,995 had gingivitis and 3,384 had periodontitis. The data from these…


Patients With Gum Disease 9 Times More Likely to Die from COVID-19: Study

A new study has found that people with gum disease who contracted COVID-19 were at least three times more likely to have severe complications from the disease, including a higher risk of hospitalization and death. A team of international researchers published their peer-reviewed study in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology earlier this month. They evaluated…