Gastro-intestinal
Disease
back to body
Are you someone who struggles with gastrointestinal (GI) problems? GI issues such as inflammatory bowel disease or “IBD”, Chron’s disease, or ulcerative colitis could actually be linked to oral infections like periodontal (gum) disease.
Science has repeatedly shown us that the presence of active periodontal disease can statistically raise the risk of underlying health issues, inflammation, and reduced immune response. Consequently, treating gum disease provides holistic relief for the immune system, making it easier for the body to stabilize co-existing medical conditions. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and erectile dysfunction are just a few examples.
How? Because bacteria spread from bleeding, infected gums directly into the bloodstream. They can also be inhaled or ingested. As such, it comes as no surprise to see GI issues co-existing with aggressive periodontitis.
Active periodontal infections can potentially alter the natural flora and function of the soft tissue lining inside of your intestinal tract. Recent studies show a strong relationship between underlying periodontitis and the severity of IBD (including both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.) Researchers found that the number of oral lesions inside of the mouth often coincide with IBD flareups and intestinal issues.
In studies related to periodontal disease’s impact on other medical conditions, gum disease treatments and soft tissue therapy showed positive improvement in the patients’ overall health within a matter of a few months. IBD and GI issues may be no different.
By lowering the number of disease-causing bacteria inside of the mouth, you are statistically lessening the strain on your immune system. Likewise, there are fewer bacterial colonies being ingested into the GI tract.
If you have symptoms of periodontal disease as well as recurring GI issues, consider speaking to a periodontist about your treatment options.