High blood pressure can cause gum problems, like red or bleeding gums and even gum disease. If you notice new gum issues, it’s wise to get your blood pressure checked. Some blood pressure medications can also cause dry mouth, which can lead to tooth decay since saliva helps fight bacteria. Calcium channel blockers that are used to treat high blood pressure can also have a side effect of gingival inflammation.
Kidney disease can worsen gum health, creating a cycle of problems. Poor gum health can, in turn, cause inflammation in the kidneys and other parts of the body. Since the kidney filters blood – if it cannot work properly you will have more inflammatory mediator cells in peripheral tissues like the gingiva and bone around your teeth.
Obesity is linked to severe gum disease, called periodontitis, which starts with gingivitis. If you’re struggling with obesity, keeping an eye on your gum health is crucial to avoid more serious problems. Gum disease can be avoided with appropriate oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing at least twice daily to minimize food impaction between teeth which can cause periodontal issues.
Loose teeth in older adults can indicate weak bones. Dental x-rays might show low bone density in the jaw, suggesting osteoporosis. If your dentist suspects this, they’ll refer you to your PCP to run preliminary studies. Most Medical doctors will recommend vitamin D and calcium supplements on a daily basis to help prevent osteoporosis in certain individuals.
Diabetes can lead to gum disease. Keeping your blood sugar under control helps protect your gums. If you have diabetes and gum issues, you might need to see a periodontist or even get gum surgery or special deep cleanings.
HIV can show early signs in your mouth, like thrush (a yeast infection), herpes, mouth sores, or gum disease. While HIV itself isn’t curable, many oral symptoms can be treated with medication.
