BAD BREATH, BAD NEWS: HOW GUM DISEASE COULD WORSEN LIVER CONDITIONS: PART I

There is growing recognition in medicine that what happens in one part of the body can affect others. A new review has examined the mounting evidence linking periodontal disease — commonly known as gum disease — to chronic liver conditions, including cirrhosis, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and alcohol-related liver disease. Though the mouth and liver are separated by both distance and function, the paper makes a compelling case that these two systems are more connected than we thought.

Gum disease, especially in its more advanced form known as periodontitis, is a chronic inflammatory condition caused by bacterial infections in the tissues that support the teeth. It is one of the most common diseases worldwide, and its severity tends to increase with age, smoking, alcohol use, and poor access to dental care. For patients already struggling with liver disease — many of whom share these same risk factors — oral health often takes a back seat.

But ignoring the mouth could be a mistake. The review lays out multiple ways that periodontitis may aggravate liver disease. Pathogenic bacteria from the mouth can be swallowed or enter the bloodstream during everyday activities like chewing and brushing. Once in the gut, these microbes may alter the composition of the intestinal microbiome, leading to dysbiosis and increased gut permeability — also known as a “leaky gut.” This can allow bacterial products such as endotoxins to reach the liver, triggering inflammation and fibrogenesis.
If you, your family, or friends need dental care, we would be honored to provide you with state-of-the-art dental care in our modern dental practice. Refer someone you love to someone you trust!

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