The Surprising Ways Gum Disease Hurts Black People

Going to the dentist might not be a favorite on your to-do list, but these check-ups are important not only for your teeth, but also for your gums.

Gum disease, or gingivitis, can be difficult to catch, and Black Americans are far more likely to develop it than other races. And it can lead to the more severe problem of periodontitis.

Of concern, periodontitis has been associated with more serious health issues, such as heart disease and diabetes, all of which share a common link -- inflammation, explain experts at the American Academy of Periodontology.

Are you at risk of developing gum disease?

Certain medical conditions and lifestyle choices make you more susceptible to gum disease. If you smoke, take medications that lead to dry mouth, have poor nutrition, or experience high stress, you're more likely to develop gingivitis. If unhealthy gums run in your family or if you already have heart disease, diabetes or arthritis, you're also at higher risk.

“Studies suggest that periodontitis, which is an infection of the gums and surrounding tissues, is associated with conditions like dementia, heart disease and diabetes,” says Ada Cooper, a New York-based dentist and consumer adviser and spokesperson for the American Dental Association. She adds that periodontitis is more likely to be present in people who already have those other conditions.

It's important to know your risk level because most people don't experience symptoms until their 30s or 40s, when the disease might already be at an advanced stage.

Warning signs of gingivitis are bad breath that won't go away; red, swollen, sensitive or receding gums or gums that bleed easily; and sensitive or loose teeth that make chewing difficult.

Gum Disease and Diabetes

The connection between gum disease and diabetes is a strong one and poses a serious threat to Black Americans who are at high risk for both, Peter Loomer, DDS, PhD, the chair of periodontology and implant dentistry at New York University College of Dentistry in New York City tells Everyday Health.

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the relationship between gum disease and diabetes goes both ways: Periodontitis may impact your blood glucose control. If you are living with diabetes, it may also make you more susceptible to bacterial infection, which can lead to gum disease.

Periodontal disease causes the gums to recede or pull away from your teeth and form small pockets making it easy for food to get trapped in the pockets. The bacteria in your mouth caused by the food stuck in your pockets can produce toxins that irritate the gums and cause inflammation. If left untreated, the bones and tissues that support your teeth start breaking down.

“People with diabetes have poor healing capacity because their immune system is not as robust,” Dr. Loomer adds. “There is more breakdown of periodontal tissues because things don’t heal as well.”

“If plaque is left behind in the gum tissue, it induces a greater inflammatory response and people have more trouble [controlling their blood sugar],” Dr. Loomer informs Everyday Health. In fact, in a study published in January 2017 in the journal BMJ Open Diabetes Research and Care, nearly 1 in 5 people with periodontitis had developed type 2 diabetes without knowing it.

Gum Disease and Your Heart

Although inconclusive, there is a lot of research that confirms that there is a link between periodontal disease and heart disease, which disproportionately impacts Black Americans.

What's the connection?

RELATED: 10 Biggest Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

Gum disease and heart disease share several risk factors in common, such as smoking and weight, which may also help explain why they can occur simultaneously.

A study conducted in 2014 study showed that treatment of gum disease may lessen the adverse consequences of heart disease and other chronic conditions. Research published in 2013 indicated a significant relationship between periodontal health and the risk of stroke, and a 2012 study suggests that dental plaque bacteria could trigger blood clots.

Preventing gum disease

To lower your risk of gum disease, brush your teeth and tongue after every meal. Floss at least once a day. And make a habit of using mouthwash to remove the bacteria that brushing and flossing miss.

Another key to preventing gum disease or catching it early? Going for regular dental check-ups. If your dentist spots early signs of gum trouble, a visit to a gum specialist -- a periodontist -- might be needed for treatment.

“A lot of periodontal disease can be prevented with good oral hygiene and regular professional care,” Dr. Loomer tells Everyday Health. “And if it’s caught at an early stage, it can be more easily managed. If you allow it to progress, once your teeth have lost too much bone support, it’s difficult to treat and may require [dental] extractions.”

Dental checkups are also a way to screen for prediabetes and diabetes and are especially important if you are already living with diabetes.

If you have diabetes, you should manage your blood glucose level, have good oral hygiene and visit the dentist every six months to prevent the dental problems commonly associated with diabetes. You should also postpone non-emergency dental work if your blood sugar isn't under control, according to the ADA.