A new study based on data from more than half a million people in the U.K. has found that individuals with signs of gum disease are more likely to experience multimorbidity — the presence of two or more chronic health conditions.
The research, led by University College London (UCL), in collaboration with the universities of Birmingham and Glasgow, was presented at EuroPerio11, a leading congress on periodontology and implant dentistry, according to the European Federation of Periodontology.
“Our study highlights the importance of oral health in the broader context of systemic diseases,” said lead author Dr. Nisachon Siripaiboonpong of UCL’s Eastman Dental Institute. “It suggests that improving gum health could help lower the risk of multimorbidity, particularly in ageing populations.
“But we often overlook the mouth as part of the problem — and part of the solution.”
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500,612 participants
Researchers analysed data from 500,612 participants in the UK Biobank, one of the largest health databases in the world. Recruitment took place between 2006 and 2010, targeting people aged 40 to 69. Participants volunteered to undergo physical exams, donate biological samples (including blood, urine and saliva), and complete detailed surveys on diet, exercise, and family medical history.
Multimorbidity was defined as having two or more chronic conditions, based on self-reports and diagnostic codes from the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). Periodontal health was assessed using self-reported symptoms such as bleeding gums, painful gums and loose teeth.
Key findings:
- 57 per cent of participants had multimorbidity.
- 18 per cent reported signs of gum inflammation.
- Individuals reporting any gum disease symptom had 15 per cent higher odds of having multiple chronic conditions (odds ratio = 1.15).
- Painful gums were the strongest predictor (OR = 1.54), followed by loose teeth (OR = 1.12) and bleeding gums (OR = 1.11).
The authors say the findings reinforce the growing understanding that oral and general health are closely connected, and that prevention and early treatment of gum disease could have broader health benefits.