What four dangerous diseases can gum disease lead to?

September 29, 2022  21:36

Gum disease is one of the most common chronic human diseases, affecting 20 to 50% of people worldwide.

If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss.

A growing body of evidence shows that gum disease can also increase the likelihood of developing other serious diseases.

Dr. Christine Bryson, a professor of medicine at the University of England, told The Sun about several deadly diseases associated with gum disease.

  • Alzheimer's disease.

Finnish researchers have found that people with gum disease and tooth loss are about one-fifth more likely to be affected by this cruel disease, Dr. Bryson told The Sun.

Studies have also shown a link between gum disease and a six-fold decrease in cognitive ability.

  • Cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease is also strongly associated with gum disease, says the expert.

In a large study of more than 1,600 people over the age of 60, gum disease was associated with a nearly 30 percent increased risk of a first heart attack.

  • Type 2 diabetes

Gum disease is a known complication of type 2 diabetes, and chronic gum disease increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Gum disease has also been shown to contribute to insulin resistance, which can exacerbate type 2 diabetes, said the doctor.

  • Cancer

Gum disease has also been linked to an increased risk of many types of cancer. 

For example, patients who reported having gum disease had a 43 percent higher risk of developing esophageal cancer and a 52 percent higher risk of developing stomach cancer, Dr. Bryson said.

Other studies have also shown that people with chronic gum disease have a 14-20% higher risk of developing any type of cancer.

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