Invisible disease: Gum inflammation threating your heart and brain
Gum inflammation is a silent threat to the heart and brain (photo: freepik.com)
Periodontitis is an inflammation that begins unnoticed but eventually affects the entire body. It was once considered a local problem of the oral cavity. Today, it is well known that periodontitis is a chronic systemic inflammation linked to dozens of serious health conditions. This was stated by Ukrainian dentist, orthodontist, and medical science candidate Anastasiia Opanasiuk, according to the blog of 24 Kanal.
According to the European Federation of Periodontology, there is a direct link between gum disease and:
- Heart attacks and strokes
- Diabetes
- Depression and anxiety disorders
- Pregnancy complications
- Alzheimer’s disease
Why do gums affect the heart?
Periodontitis triggers the constant release of cytokines – molecules that cause inflammation. These enter the bloodstream and stimulate immune responses throughout the body. As a result, blood vessels are damaged, plaque accumulates, and the risk of thrombosis increases.
When you see blood on your toothbrush, it is a sign that your immune system is under strain, and not just in your mouth.
Why this disease is "silent"
Periodontitis does not cause pain, which is why it is easy to ignore. It often begins with minor bleeding during brushing, slight gum swelling, bad breath, and the gradual "exposure" of tooth roots.
While a person delays visiting a dentist, the disease progresses and forms deep gum pockets where harmful bacteria live. These bacteria are like "germ factories" that produce toxins and provoke inflammatory reactions.
What influences the development of periodontitis
Gum health is always influenced by multiple factors. Even with good hygiene, problems may arise if:
- You live under chronic stress (cortisol suppresses local immunity)
- You have hormonal fluctuations (pregnancy, menopause, thyroid problems)
- You have a genetic predisposition to inflammation
- Your diet is high in simple carbohydrates
- You take medications that affect saliva production or the oral microbiome
Check yourself: Are you at risk of periodontitis?
Go through this checklist. If you answer "yes" to two or more, it is worth seeing a dentist:
- You sometimes see blood on your toothbrush or floss
- Your teeth seem to have gotten "longer"
- You have bad breath even after brushing
- You have sensitivity to cold or hot food and drinks
- You have not had a professional cleaning in over six months
Modern dental clinics no longer treat you as just a patient with bleeding gums. You are considered a person with a unique biological profile, and treatment is tailored to your specific needs.
Gum condition is a reflection of your overall health. Inflamed gums are not a small issue. They are a mirror of your immune system, blood vessel health, sleep quality, and mental state.
The most important thing – this is not a life sentence. With regular check-ups and modern treatments, you can not only save your teeth but also reduce your risk of chronic diseases. Taking care of your gums is not about cosmetic appearance – it’s about living a long, active, and healthy life. Don’t postpone it – check your foundation now.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
