Is There A Link Between Gum Disease And Kidney Disease?
Posted on: 22 November 2016
Were you aware that there's a link between gum disease and kidney disease? If you currently have gum disease, then your chances are 4 times higher to develop kidney disease compared to somebody that has healthy gums. Here is some information you need to know.
Who Is Prone To Having Kidney Disease?
It's important that you tell your doctor if you currently have issues with gum disease, because they can take preventative measures against kidney disease. This is very important when you also have one of the many risk factors for getting kidney disease, which includes smoking and obesity. People who are Asian, black, and Native American also are predisposed to having kidney disease compared to other races.
How Can Kidney Disease Be Prevented?
Anything you can do to reduce your potential for developing a problem with gum disease will also decrease how likely you are to be susceptible to kidney disease. This doesn't involve doing anything beyond maintaining great oral health, which means flossing and brushing every day, as well as regularly visiting your dentist for cleanings and checkups.
Can Kidney Disease Cause Gum Disease?
The link between gum disease and kidney disease will go both ways. If you already are experiencing issues with kidney disease, which includes receiving dialysis to treat it, you will have a low immunity already. It can cause you to get an infection in your gums when you have even a slight bacteria buildup. Those with kidney disease need to pay even more attention to their oral health because of this.
Those with kidney disease should communicate with both their doctor and dentist about treatments they are undergoing for either disease. This is because antibiotics can possibly reduce your risk of gum disease, and dialysis procedures should not be performed too close to dental procedures.
Can Bone Loss Occur?
Kidney disease can also affect your mouth due to bone loss. Your kidneys are responsible for regulating how much calcium your body will absorb and eliminate. People with kidney disease will often have the regulation interrupted. In some situations, it can cause the body to lose a high amount of calcium. Teeth can loosen and potentially fall out due to a weakened jawbone. You will then need to get bone graft surgery to strengthen the areas that have become weak.
There is a strong link between gum disease and kidney disease that should be taken seriously. Stay up to date with your dental and doctor appointments to ensure that one disease is not causing problems with the other. Click here for more info on the matter.
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