You brush your teeth, spit, and—great—there’s a faint reddish shimmer in the sink.
Your first thought is usually something like: “Alright, I probably brushed a bit too hard today.”
Many people think that way. But that tiny bit of blood can be the beginning of something far more serious: periodontitis. Why this disease is dangerous and what effects it can have is explained in this article.
How does periodontitis develop and why does it become a systemic disease?
Periodontitis doesn’t only affect the gums. It affects the entire supporting structure of your teeth — fibers, mucosa, bone — everything that keeps your teeth stable.
In deepened gum pockets, bacteria accumulate and produce toxins — endotoxins. Your immune system tries to fight them, but this battle doesn’t stay confined to your mouth.
The body switches into “full-time alert mode,” the inflammation becomes chronic, tissue breaks down, and bone recedes. Then something many people never expect happens:
Through tiny, microscopic openings, bacteria and inflammatory molecules enter the bloodstream.
From that moment on, these bacteria influence your entire body.
How does periodontitis affect the cardiovascular system?
Most people know this: periodontitis loosens teeth.
Few know this: periodontitis can weaken your heart.
When bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis enter the bloodstream, they irritate the inner vessel lining — the endothelium. This triggers silent inflammation, and fatty deposits, immune cells, and connective tissue accumulate at these irritated sites.
A rather dangerous mixture that can narrow your blood vessels.
As a result, blood pressure rises and the heart has to work harder.
And yes — studies show that the risk of heart attack or stroke increases by about 25–50%, all because of a “small” inflammation that started in the mouth.
How are periodontitis and diabetes connected?
Medically, the two conditions can reinforce each other.
When blood sugar is consistently high, the immune system becomes weaker and slower — especially in the sensitive gum tissue. This gives bacteria easier access and allows inflammation to spread more quickly.
At the same time, gum inflammation disrupts insulin effectiveness.
The released cytokines block receptors, preventing blood sugar from lowering properly.
A vicious cycle begins — one condition fuels the other.
How does periodontitis influence rheumatoid arthritis?
We like to think the immune system can distinguish friend from foe. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always.
In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the body’s own tissue. Periodontitis bacteria can intensify this problem.
Porphyromonas gingivalis modifies proteins — and suddenly your immune system signals: “Intruder alert!”
This amplifies the autoimmune reaction.
Conversely, people with rheumatoid arthritis are more susceptible to periodontitis. The immune system is constantly overloaded or suppressed by medication — and even a minor gum irritation can turn into a chronic infection.
Good to know:
Treating periodontitis often reduces the activity of rheumatoid arthritis. This is now well documented.
Can periodontitis bacteria reach the brain (Alzheimer’s connection)?
It sounds unbelievable: bacteria from your mouth entering your brain.
But yes — it’s possible.
Researchers have found periodontal bacteria in the brain tissue of Alzheimer’s patients.
Once inside, they can trigger microinflammation and activate processes that contribute to the breakdown of nerve cells. Not as the cause — but as a magnifying factor.
For this reason, oral health is increasingly discussed as a factor in long-term brain health.
Why does periodontitis worsen during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, everything changes — including the gums.
They become softer, more vascularized, and more sensitive.
A perfect environment for bacteria that might not have caused problems otherwise.
If periodontitis is already present, the inflammation can escalate quickly.
The inflammatory messengers enter the bloodstream and can also reach the placenta and uterus — potentially influencing processes that increase the risk of preterm birth or low birth weight.
What hidden consequences can untreated periodontitis have?
Tooth loss is visible.
But what remains hidden is often far more dangerous:
- changes in blood vessels
- effects on metabolism
- constant strain on the immune system
- potential impact on the brain
Periodontitis starts in the mouth.
But it doesn’t stay there.
That’s why it is classified as a systemic disease.
How can you effectively prevent periodontitis?
- brush thoroughly twice a day — especially at the gumline
- clean between your teeth daily (!)
- get professional dental hygiene 1–2× per year
- take gum bleeding seriously
- reduce sugar, avoid nicotine
- get regular check-ups — especially if you have risk factors
Often, the basics have the biggest long-term impact.
Periodontitis is highly treatable in most cases – early diagnosis is key. Even a short check-up can help assess your situation accurately.
We will carefully examine your gum health, clearly explain our findings, and recommend the right next steps.
👉 Book a check-up at one of our LifeDent clinics in Lucerne, Volketswil, Bülach, Winterthur, or Neukirch.