You usually have higher numbers of tumor necrosis factors, CRP, lipopolysaccharides. So, you’re just having kind of like this constant emission of low grade, but chronic inflammation. And unfortunately, people kind of disregard their mouth and they go, “Oh, my gums are bleeding. It’s okay.” Or, “My dentist always tells me I have gum disease.” And you’re like, “No, but actually is quite important because of that low grade chronic inflammation.” According to the literature, DIGO can occur in patients taking any amount of CCBs. Santi and Bral[35] reported a case of a 34-year-old male patient who had recently undergone a kidney transplant.
Dr Victoria Sampson obtained her Bachelor in Dental Surgery from Barts and the London, where she was also chosen to represent the UK in a four month training program at the renowned Karolinska Institute in Sweden. She then completed her Foundation Training in central London, ranking in the top 100 newly qualified dentists in the country. Victoria endeavours to deliver the highest standard of care to her patients through sound academic knowledge and good communication skills. She is particularly passionate about encompassing all aspects of health into achieving a healthy and and aesthetically pleasing mouth.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common condition that affects the tissues surrounding the teeth. It is caused by a buildup of plaque on the teeth, which can lead to inflammation and infection of the gums. Symptoms of gum disease include bleeding gums, bad breath, and loose teeth. If left untreated, gum disease can progress to more severe forms, such as periodontitis, which can result in tooth loss.
What is SIBO?
So, anemia, for example, they have a very pale mucosa, slightly got a bit of a bluey, whitish tinge to it. And then, obviously, the classic symptoms of fatigue and et cetera, and you kind of add them all together. I mean, I like to compare it on a more maybe general term in terms of just gastrointestinal dysbiosis and oral dysbiosis first, and how they’re directly connected. I mean, firstly, in a more physical way, if anything, your mouth is literally an extension of your gut.
SIBO, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, is a condition in which there is an abnormal increase in the number of bacteria in the small intestine. This can lead to symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. SIBO is often associated with underlying conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s disease.
The Connection Between Gum Disease and SIBO
Some people argue that you shouldn’t begin a SIBO diet until after you’ve completed your round of treatment. This ensures that your bacteria don’t go dormant due to lack of food sources and, therefore, can be fully eradicated by whatever antimicrobials you’re taking. Other times, your behavior, like brushing too hard, using a hard-bristled toothbrush, or flossing infrequently, can cause your gums to bleed. You can quickly resolve this situation by modifying your dental practices. This gum disease is irreversible and can lead to tissue and bone damage.
What happens in the small and large intestines will affect the mouth, and what damages the mouth will affect the tissues of the small and large intestines. From there, the tube that extends from the mouth to the anus is continuous and has several names. It is called the digestive tract, gastrointestinal (GI) tract, or the alimentary canal.
Recent research suggests that there may be a link between gum disease and SIBO. Studies have found that individuals with gum disease are more likely to have SIBO compared to those without gum disease. It is believed that the inflammation and infection present in the gums of individuals with gum disease may provide a favorable environment for the growth of bacteria, contributing to the development of SIBO.
Additionally, the bacteria present in the mouth can travel through the bloodstream to other parts of the body, including the intestines, potentially leading to an imbalance in gut bacteria and the development of SIBO.
While more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between gum disease and SIBO, it is important for individuals with gum disease to maintain good oral hygiene practices and seek treatment from a dental professional. By addressing gum disease, individuals may also be able to reduce their risk of developing SIBO.
