West:
West:
Today, we want to tackle the topic of Hashimotos and Gum Disease. You may have heard the common phrase, “all disease starts in the gut.” A phrase that was coined over 2,000 years ago, which has been attributed to Hippocrates, the Greek founder of medicine. While that phrase is true, it’s also true that the mouth is often the window to the entire body. Meaning that if something isn’t right in your system, it’ll show signs in your mouth.
This means that your mouth is connected to more than just your teeth or even your gut – it’s connected to your thyroid, liver, kidneys, and all other parts of your body. In the past few years, the scientific community has determined the link between thyroid disease, and Hashimoto’s, with gum disease.
According to Dr. Izabella Wentz, a doctor of pharmacy,
“the same bacteria that contribute to gum disease or periodontitis produce an inflammatory response associated with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis—the underlying cause of hypothyroidism.”
Learn more from Dr. Wentz: https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/periodontitis-a-trigger-for-hashimotos/
Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, happens when your gums become inflamed from bacteria in the mouth. This can lead to:
Gum disease is common and effects up to half of Americans over the age of 30, according to the Centers for Disease Control. If you’re seeing blood when brushing or flossing your teeth, it could be the first sign of gum disease, so it’s important to stay on top of your oral health routine and to see your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. So, what’s the link with gum disease and thyroid disease or Hashimoto’s? The proof is in the bacteria.
Read the clinical case report of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and its impact on the treatment of chronic periodontitis HERE.
Learn more about Gum Disease from our articles below:
According to Dr. Wentz, the link is in molecular mimicry. While that may sound confusing, let’s break down the basics of it all.
According to Dr. Mentz,
“Molecular mimicry is an autoimmune theory suggesting that bacterial cells or other proteins (such as food proteins) have a similar appearance to the cells that make up parts of the human body, or “self-antigens.”
So, when bacteria are around, our body is not only attacking the bacteria, but also parts of our body that have similar proteins. Meaning our body could be attacking the bacteria in our gums, and also the proteins in our thyroid.
The relationship: The Link Between Hashimotos and Gum Disease
The evidence for good dental hygiene is stronger than ever. Regular brushing and flossing are essential for not only good oral health, but good overall health. The thyroid can have huge impacts on all aspects of your body, and your mouth could very well be impacted through gum disease. If you’re concerned about signs of thyroid or Hashimoto’s, speak with your doctor about testing your thyroid. And schedule your dental appointment at Adams Dental Group if you’re concerned about Hashimotos and Gum Disease, we can help keep your mouth and gums healthy.
As with avoiding most oral diseases and complications, regular, twice-a-day brushing, and flossing goes a long way to prevent oral issues. Using a fluoride-based toothpaste and mouthwash are also extra helpful and aid in destroying plaque. Continue your dental cleanings and checkups, recommended at twice a year to also remove any excess plaque and tartar off your teeth and gums. Also, during your checkups, your dentist can evaluate the health of your gums and determine if you are experiencing any stages of gum disease.
For early/mild stages of gum disease, treatment is quite easy and usually dentists recommend getting a professional cleaning and upping your oral hygiene routine at home; maybe you need to floss more often, use a mouthwash more regularly, or quit smoking.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, smoking puts adults at a high risk for gum disease. Other risk factors may include diabetes, genetics, and certain medications. Once gum disease has advanced to periodontitis, however, treatment can become more intense and usually includes scaling, root planing, laser treatments, and even surgery to restore the bone.
Related article: What is Gum Disease?
Dental professionals are true advocates of oral care. We are not only adamant about keeping teeth clean, but we are also concerned with your overall dental health. Checking for defects, abnormalities, and indications of severe issues in the bone, teeth, or gums are also at the forefront of our practice. Similarly, offering advice on how to properly care for teeth and correct certain habits is also a part of the patient education that we offer. Should you be looking for a dentist that is serious about oral care, contact our office to book a dental appointment.
Local dentist, Travis A. Roberts and his experienced, friendly team at Adams Dental Group offer affordable family dentistry and gentle dental care in the Kansas City, KS area. We have two locations that are conveniently located and offer appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At Adams Dental Group, we provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to specialty procedures, including dental implants, dentures, endodontic or root canal treatment, teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at our West location (913) 296-8030 or our East location (913) 621-3113 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Travis A. Roberts, DDS August 9th, 2022
Posted In: Periodontal | Gum Disease
Tags: dental exam, gum disease, gum disease prevention, oral health, oral hygiene, periodontal disease
