Gum health affects the liver

What happens in the mouth doesn’t always stay in the mouth. It turns out that chronic inflammation of the gums, especially in the form of periodontitis, may be associated with deterioration of the liver. Such a connection is discussed by an international group of specialists, analyzing data collected in recent years. Despite the fact that the oral cavity and the liver are far from each other, there seems to be a strong connection between them.

We are talking about an inflammatory disease caused by the accumulation of harmful bacteria in the tissues around the teeth. Periodontitis is one of the most common diseases in the world. It is more common in older people, smokers, alcohol drinkers, and those who rarely visit the dentist. People with liver disease often fall into this risk category, and oral care is often neglected.

However, neglecting this area of medicine can be dangerous. According to the authors of the review, pathogenic microbes from the oral cavity can enter the gastrointestinal tract or even the bloodstream during simple activities such as brushing or chewing. What’s more, these bacteria can upset the balance of microflora in the gut, leading to inflammation, increased permeability of the intestinal wall, and toxins entering the liver.

For example, in mice suffering from metabolic disorders, increased liver inflammation was observed when certain microbes from the oral cavity were ingested. What’s more, traces of these bacteria are found right in liver tissue – proving that they can indeed “travel” from the mouth to other organs.

The immune system plays a key role in this story. Chronic gum inflammation is accompanied by the release of substances that promote inflammation in the liver. Some immune cells activated in response to oral bacteria can migrate and further degrade the liver. As a result, a vicious cycle is triggered: liver problems worsen oral health, and untreated gums, in turn, exacerbate damage to the organ.

The data accumulated to date are very suggestive. People with cirrhosis are more likely to have advanced forms of gum disease, tooth loss and inflammation. Up to 70% of patients awaiting liver transplantation have evidence of severe periodontitis. And such patients have a higher risk of death – also due to inflammatory processes that have begun in the oral cavity.

There is also alarming data on metabolically associated liver steatosis, the most common type of chronic liver disease. Analysis of a large number of cases has shown: people with severe gingival inflammation are much more likely to be diagnosed with this pathology. And a small clinical intervention – such as gum treatment – can even temporarily improve liver health, judging from enzyme values in the blood.

Nevertheless, experts emphasize: it’s too early to talk about exact cause and effect. Many of the data are from observational studies, not clinical trials. Also interfering are general factors like lifestyle and availability of medicine, which affect both liver and teeth. But the logic of what is happening, the overlap in the data, and the early positive benefits of the intervention speak for themselves.

The authors emphasize: liver doctors should take a more frequent interest in their patients’ oral health. And dentists should remember that their interventions can affect not only their teeth, but also their overall health. It is by working together that different specialists can improve the lives of patients.

For now, one conclusion is definitely clear: brushing your teeth and taking care of your gums isn’t just about smiling. It can also be a way to support your liver. A simple visit to the dentist is a step towards reducing the risk of serious complications in the future.