Life

How kidney function and gum disease are linked

Lucy Jaffa, dentist at Gentle Dental Care, Belfast explains gum disease and kidney function

MORE and more research is connecting infection in your mouth with diseases in your body. Now researchers say preliminary studies suggest a connection between gum infections and kidney disease as well. "This is a very new and emerging area and there have only been a few studies," Vanessa Grubbs, MD, an assistant professor and nephrology specialist in the UC San Francisco's School of Medicine says. She is determined to advance this research as part of her commitment to preventing the chronic health problems associated with kidney disease. "If we at least start to show that treating periodontal [gum] disease can slow the progression of kidney disease, the long-term ramifications for dental policy and how we manage patients with chronic kidney disease are huge," Prof Grubbs.

Your kidneys, which are located in the small of your back on either side of your spine, carry out many important functions. Amazingly they are able to filter about 180 litres of your blood per day to get rid of waste products and toxins. They also secrete hormones that control blood pressure and red blood cell production and activate vitamin D, which helps keep your bones and muscles healthy. So when your kidneys don't work properly the rest of your body suffers. "Gum disease sets off an inflammatory response to persistent infection, caused by bacteria getting trapped in the gum's porous tissues," Prof Grubbs says. "Just as research indicates this inflamed state can affect major organs such as the heart, possibly through bacteria in the blood stream, studies show kidneys are similarly at risk." Gum disease is characterised by bleeding gums, bad breath, loose teeth and receded gums. Both kidney disease and gum disease disproportionately impact poorer populations. However, the solution to keeping your gums healthy is not expensive. Brushing alone is not enough to keep your gums healthy. Cleaning in between the teeth with dental wood sticks, teepee brushes or floss every day is essential. These cleaning products need to be used effectively and it's best if the dental team shows you how. By removing the soft white plaque, which is where the infective bacteria lives, you can halt the spread of gum disease and enjoy a healthier body.