The Surprising Link Between Gums, Inflammation and Immunity
By Jamie Bussin, featuring Dr. Colleen Hartwick, ND
Healthy teeth and gums are about much more than preventing cavities. Research increasingly shows that inflammation in the mouth, particularly gum disease, may be linked to heart disease, diabetes, dementia and immune function. Dr. Colleen Hartwick, ND, explained how the oral microbiome, gum health and everyday habits influence whole-body health in Episode #443 of The Tonic Talk Show/Podcast.
Dr. Hartwick is a licensed naturopathic physician practicing in Campbell River, British Columbia. Since 2012 she has focused on trauma-informed care and mental health while also teaching at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition and writing educational articles on evidence-informed natural medicine. This is a digest of our conversation.
Is Your Mouth Connected to the Rest of Your Body?
According to Dr. Hartwick, there’s been a misconception in health care that the mouth is somehow separate from the rest of the body. But really it is an integral part of the body, and it’s one of the main gateways to it. The air we breathe, the food we eat, the water and other liquids we drink all enter our bodies through the mouth.
What is the Oral Microbiome?
Your mouth contains its own microbiome; a living community of beneficial and potentially harmful bacteria. The beneficial bacteria are important to help maintain the integrity of your gums and protect the enamel of your teeth from wear and tear. Maintaining a balance is crucial. Any disruption in that balance can give rise to things like cavities and gum disease.
What do the Gums do?
Your gums are living tissue that has a rich blood supply. Their job is to keep your teeth attached to the rest of your skull. But they also help to create a nice tight seal around each tooth which acts as a barrier that prevents the bad bacteria in the mouth from accessing other parts of the body.
Gingivitis, Inflammation and Immunity
When your gums start to become inflamed, puffy, swollen or perhaps bleeding, that protective seal is being broken down. This condition is called gingivitis. That creates a potential access point for the oral microbiome, the bacteria in your mouth, to enter into your circulatory system and potentially trigger inflammation in other parts of the body.
According to Dr. Hartwick, current research has identified associations between periodontal disease and conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and dementia. While these studies do not prove that gum disease causes these conditions, chronic inflammation is believed to play an important role. Although researchers have identified important associations, these findings do not necessarily mean that poor oral health directly causes conditions such as heart disease or dementia.
Is Gingivitis a Sign of Illness?
While gingivitis may be connected to experiencing cold symptoms, it’s probably not the primary cause. Colds are caused by viruses. However, for some people, the sore bleeding gums can be an early sign that the body is already under stress, and the immune system is already working harder than usual. When a virus is introduced, symptoms may become more pronounced because the immune system is already under stress. This suggests a correlation between gingivitis and colds rather than causation.
Can Mouthwash Help Balance the Oral Microbiome?
Many of us use mouthwash to combat bad breath, which might be caused by an imbalance of the oral microbiome. But is it a good idea to use antiseptic mouthwash? Dr. Hartwick thinks that the product is more suitable for short-term use, for specific conditions. For example, after having a dental procedure done, mouthwash can reduce the likelihood of oral bacteria ending up in your circulatory system, giving rise to a significant infection. However, she cautions, “antiseptic mouthwashes don’t just destroy the pathogenic or disease-causing bacteria, they can also negatively impact the beneficial mouth bacteria.” So they aren’t appropriate for everyday, long-term, use.
What’s The Best Daily Routine for Healthy Gums?
Here is Dr. Hartwick’s checklist for optimal oral health:
- Brush twice daily with a soft toothbrush.
- Floss or use interdental cleaners.
- Stay hydrated.
- Limit sugary drinks.
- Eat nitrate-rich vegetables.
- Visit your dentist regularly.
- Manage teeth grinding.
- Don’t ignore bleeding gums.
Which Supplements May Support Gum Health?
- Vitamin C – Oxidative stress can break down the collagen, which is the essential structural scaffolding of gums. Vitamin C supports healthy collagen.
- Omega-3 fatty acids – A fish oil supplement or omega-3 supplement may help reduce inflammation.
- CoQ10 – CoQ10 is an antioxidant which helps to counter inflammation. And it also supports cellular energy production, which may help maintain healthy gum tissue.
- Oral probiotics – whether in liquid, lozenge, gum or tablet form, probiotics introduce more beneficial bacteria to the mouth microbiome.
Key Takeaways
- Your mouth contains its own microbiome.
- Bleeding gums are not considered normal.
- Gum inflammation may contribute to inflammation elsewhere in the body.
- Good oral hygiene supports overall health—not just healthy teeth.
- Sugar feeds bacteria that contribute to cavities and gum disease.
- Daily brushing, flossing and hydration remain the foundation of oral health.
FAQ
Can bleeding gums mean you’re getting sick?
Bleeding gums usually indicate gum inflammation rather than illness itself, but they may become more noticeable when your immune system is under stress.
Does gum disease affect your heart?
Research has found an association between gum disease and cardiovascular disease, likely because chronic inflammation and oral bacteria may contribute to inflammation elsewhere in the body.
Is mouthwash bad for your oral microbiome?
Antiseptic mouthwashes can reduce both harmful and beneficial bacteria, so they’re generally best reserved for specific short-term uses unless otherwise recommended by your dental professional.
Can stress make gum disease worse?
Yes, chronic stress can weaken immune function and increase inflammation, making gum problems more likely to develop or worsen.
Are probiotics good for your mouth?
Early research suggests oral probiotics may help support a healthier balance of beneficial bacteria in the mouth, although more studies are needed.
How often should you floss?
Most dental professionals recommend cleaning between your teeth at least once a day using floss, interdental brushes or a water flosser.
Can teeth grinding damage your gums?
Yes, teeth grinding or clenching can place excessive pressure on the teeth and surrounding tissues, contributing to gum recession, tooth sensitivity and wear over time.
Bottom Line
Your mouth is not separate from the rest of your body. Healthy gums help maintain a barrier between your oral bacteria and your bloodstream, while chronic gum inflammation may contribute to wider inflammatory processes. Looking after your oral health isn’t just about avoiding cavities; it’s an important part of protecting your overall health.
Disclaimer
This interview is intended for educational purposes and should not replace personalized medical or dental care. If you have persistent bleeding gums, tooth pain or other oral health concerns, consult your dentist or healthcare provider.
