Oral Health: Link between Gum Disease and Hashimotos Thyroid Disease

Link between thyroid disease, Hashimotos, and Gum Disease

You may have heard the common phrase, “all disease starts in the gut.” A phrase that was coined over 2,000 years ago, which has been attributed to Hippocrates, the Greek founder of medicine. While that phrase is true, it’s also true that the mouth is often the window to the entire body. Meaning that if something isn’t right in your system, it’ll show signs in your mouth.

This means that your mouth is connected to more than just your teeth or even your gut – it’s connected to your thyroid, liver, kidneys, and all other parts of your body. In the past few years, the scientific community has determined the link between Gum Disease and Hashimotos. According to Dr. Izabella Wentz, a doctor of pharmacy, “the same bacteria that contribute to gum disease or periodontitis produce an inflammatory response associated with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis — the underlying cause of hypothyroidism.”

Learn more from Dr. Wentz: Periodontitis, a Trigger for Hashimoto’s?

Gum Disease/Periodontitis

Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, happens when your gums become inflamed from bacteria in the mouth. This can lead to:

• Loose teeth
• Receding gum line
• Bone loss in the jaw
• Tooth loss

Gum disease is common and effects up to half of Americans over the age of 30, according to the Centers for Disease Control. If you’re seeing blood when brushing or flossing your teeth, it could be the first sign of gum disease, so it’s important to stay on top of your oral health routine and to see your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. So, what’s the link between Hashimoto’s and gum disease? The proof is in the bacteria.

Related Article: What You Need to Know to Avoid Gum Disease

Case Study: Link Between Gum Disease and Hashimotos

Please read the clinical case report of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and its impact on the treatment of chronic periodontitis (link HERE)

Linking Bacteria to Thyroid Disease and Hashimoto’s

According to Dr. Wentz, the link is in molecular mimicry. While that may sound confusing, let’s break down the basics of it all:

• The bacteria in our mouth, which is causing gum disease, is also causing inflammation in the rest of our body.
• People with Hashimoto’s often have gum disease. When they experience flare-ups in their disease, they also experience flare-ups in their gums – showing a connection.

“Molecular mimicry is an autoimmune theory suggesting that bacterial cells or other proteins (such as food proteins) have a similar appearance to the cells that make up parts of the human body, or “self-antigens.”, says Dr. Mentz.

So, when bacteria are around, our body is not only attacking the bacteria, but also parts of our body that have similar proteins. Meaning our body could be attacking the bacteria in our gums, and also the proteins in our thyroid.

The relationship from the National Library of Medicine: Relationship between hypothyroidism and periodontitis: A scoping review

Gum Disease is linked to other diseases. Learn more:

• Visible and Invisible Signs of a Healthy Smile
• Can Asthma Cause Gum Disease? 
• Health Risks of Gum Disease: Healthy Teeth are more than a Pretty Smile

Protect Your Thyroid and Your Mouth

The evidence for good dental hygiene is stronger than ever. Regular brushing and flossing are essential for not only good oral health, but good overall health. The thyroid can have huge impacts on all aspects of your body, and your mouth could very well be impacted through gum disease. If you’re concerned about signs of thyroid disease or Hashimoto’s, speak with your doctor about testing your thyroid.

Now that you understand a little more about the link between Hashimoto’s and Gum Disease, the expert team at the offices of Thomas L. Anderson, DDS and Associates can help. We offer treatment for our patients with Gum Disease with thorough dental cleanings that you may not find through other dental offices. Call 816-373-4440 to schedule your dental exam and cleaning, remember it can lead to early detection and diagnosis of disease. Make sure to mention any changes in your health, new medications, and especially if you are seeing blood after brushing or flossing your teeth.

Contact us today to schedule your dental appointment and meet with our skilled dentists at one of our three conveniently located dental office locations within the Kansas City area, including Lee’s Summit / Independence, the Country Club Plaza and Downtown Kansas City. The gentle dentists and expert team at Thomas L. Anderson and Associates look forward to working with you to treat your dental emergency, achieve proper oral health and a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime. If you have any questions about your dental insurance benefits, please do not hesitate to contact us.  We are happy to review your policy! Please give us a call today to schedule an appointment and become part of our dental family.