Gum Disease May Worsen Liver Conditions: New Study Reveals Surprising Link
Research shows that poor oral hygiene could contribute to liver damage—highlighting the vital connection between dental care and liver health.
Watan-An international study has warned that gum diseases, particularly periodontitis, may not be limited to being a localized issue in the mouth, but could also contribute to the worsening of chronic liver diseases such as liver cirrhosis.
The study, led by researchers at Jilin University in China, explained that simple measures like brushing teeth, flossing, and regular visits to the dentist could be effective tools in preventing serious complications, including liver damage. These findings were published Wednesday in the journal eGastroenterology.
Gum Diseases
Gum diseases, especially the chronic form known as periodontitis, are inflammatory conditions caused by bacterial infection in the tissues that support the teeth. These diseases are among the most common worldwide and become more dangerous with age, smoking, and poor oral hygiene.
Periodontitis occurs when the gums remain inflamed for a long time, leading to the destruction of the tissues and bones that support the teeth. If left untreated, it can cause gum recession and tooth loss. These conditions are mainly attributed to bacterial buildup in the mouth due to inadequate dental care. Common symptoms include bleeding gums, bad breath, and tooth sensitivity. If left untreated, gum disease can significantly deteriorate oral health, requiring medical intervention to prevent tooth loss.
The Link Between Gum Disease and Liver Damage
In the study, researchers proposed the concept of the “mouth-gut-liver” axis, which refers to the connection between oral bacteria, the gut microbiome, and liver function. Bacteria can travel from the mouth to the digestive tract or bloodstream during daily activities such as chewing or brushing, leading to microbial imbalance, increased intestinal permeability, and the entry of toxins into the liver—triggering inflammation and tissue fibrosis.
The study showed that oral bacteria can increase the severity of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease, and traces of these bacteria were even found in liver tissues. Chronic gum inflammation also plays a role in the release of inflammatory cytokines that contribute to liver disease progression.
Oral Health: A Missing Link in Liver Disease Care?
Clinical data supports this connection, showing that patients with liver cirrhosis have worse oral health, including higher rates of gum erosion and bone loss around teeth. The prevalence of periodontitis in patients awaiting liver transplants reaches up to 72%.
In a clinical trial, treating gum disease led to a temporary improvement in liver enzyme levels, supporting the hypothesis that oral health impacts liver function.
The researchers noted that this study highlights the need to bridge different medical fields—particularly between hepatologists and dentists—to provide comprehensive and integrated patient care. If these findings are confirmed by broader trials, treating gum disease may become part of the treatment plan for chronic liver diseases.
