Obesity is bad for your heart. But did you know it’s also bad for your gums?

Obesity raises the risk of several chronic medical conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. Yet carrying extra pounds also puts you at risk for periodontal or gum disease!

You might wonder, “If periodontal disease is a serious oral health disorder caused by a continual buildup of bacteria along the gum line, how is it related to my weight?” We’ll dive into this below.

The link between obesity and periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is a progressive disease. It begins as gingivitis, a mild form of the condition. Gingivitis can be reversed, but gum disease is more challenging to treat in more advanced stages.

Signs of gum disease include swollen, red gums, bad breath, pain when chewing, and a receding gum line. Gum disease also causes your gums to bleed when you brush. 

Obesity means your body holds an excess of fat cells. These cells produce hormones that can promote inflammation in the gum tissue. The inflammation may also prevent blood from flowing to the gums. Without nourishing blood to keep the gums healthy, the gums cannot heal, causing periodontitis to become more likely.

Further, diet plays a role in obesity, tooth decay, and periodontal disease. Eating sugary foods increases your weight and the amount of damaging bacteria roaming within your mouth. When the sugar interacts with the bacteria, it forms an acid that attacks your tooth enamel. Thinned enamel is more prone to decay, and cavities can lead to tooth loss and gum disease.

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy

Good oral health is the best prevention against gum disease. Following these tips will keep your teeth and gums healthy — and maybe even help you shed a few pounds!

Brush & Floss Daily. Removing bacteria and food bits from your teeth stops decay from forming along the teeth and gum line.

Fill Your Mouth With Healthy Foods. Sure, sugary foods and drinks taste great but think about the harm you’re doing to your teeth. Fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains are much better choices for your oral (and overall) health.

Don’t Use Tobacco Products. Smoking and chewing tobacco damage your gums. It’s in your best interest to quit now.  

See Your Dentist Regularly. Regular dental exams are always vital for your oral health. But such exams can catch and treat gum disease in its earliest stages. Periodontal disease treatments may include a deep cleaning or surgery to reduce the gap between the gums and teeth. In severe cases, a bone or soft tissue graft may be necessary.

Take care of your gums!

Schedule an appointment at Espire’s Norman, Oklahoma, location today! Our highly trained dentists can check your teeth and gums and treat any signs of gum disease. Don’t live near our Norman, Oklahoma, office? Find one of our other locations near you.

Norman, OK
550 24th Ave. S.W.
Norman, OK 73069