All posts tagged: gums

‘The mouth is a gateway into your body’: the fascinating, frightening links between our gums and our health | Health

‘The mouth is a gateway into your body’: the fascinating, frightening links between our gums and our health | Health

Published by Sam Flores

Isn’t it weird that dentistry and medicine have been kept largely separate? Why should our mouths be treated differently from the rest of our bodies? Going to the dentist often feels like more of a lifestyle and cosmetic add-on, especially for adults in the UK. And, even if you can find an NHS dentist, the service is not free at the point of use like medical doctors are. The origin story for this rift is that dentistry began, in the middle ages, as a trade – with tooth extractions handled by “barber surgeons” and dentures crafted by jewellers and blacksmiths. Today, dentistry and medicine still have their own separate training routes, professional bodies and NHS setup. Generally speaking, medical doctors can’t act as dentists, and dentists aren’t medical doctors. But the tide is turning on this conceptual separation, because the links between oral health and systemic healthcare are becoming ever more apparent. Cardiologists and doctors treating type 2 diabetes, for example, are increasingly concerned with the state of their patients’ mouths. Specialists in everything from …

The mouth-brain link: how healthy gums could help protect against Alzheimer’s disease

The mouth-brain link: how healthy gums could help protect against Alzheimer’s disease

Published by Jenni Sidey

We all know we should clean our teeth daily, but good oral hygiene can do more for you than give you a healthy smile. According to experts, it could improve your brain health and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Poor dental care can lead to gum disease (gingivitis) when bacteria builds up around the teeth and gums, which can result in more severe and irreversible gum disease, known as periodontitis. These bacteria don’t always stay put—they can enter the bloodstream and trigger chronic inflammation, which is linked to brain aging and conditions like Alzheimer’s. “Multiple large studies and scientific reviews now show a consistent link between gum disease and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia,” says dentist and oral health expert Dr Kami Hoss, author of If Your Mouth Could Talk. Article continues below You may like “A 2025 umbrella of reviews—covering 52 studies spanning two decades—suggests that people with gum disease are significantly more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than those with healthy gums.” Hoss, who is also …

What causes gingivitis? A pharmacist’s guide to healing swollen gums naturally

What causes gingivitis? A pharmacist’s guide to healing swollen gums naturally

Published by Daniella Wilson

When gums become inflamed, the feeling of discomfort can be constant – and a real bother. Luckily, there are ways to try and prevent this common dental problem or alleviate the symptoms.  An easy way to help is to try some chemist-approved home remedies that help to reduce inflammation and improve overall gum health. Wondering about the most effective natural treatments? Pharmacist Mar Sieira and her expertise are here to help. Understanding gingivitis: Symptoms and root causes of gum disease The first thing to understand is what gingivitis is, how it manifests and its causes.  © Getty ImagesGingivitis can stem from anything from poor hygiene to allergic reactions “Gingivitis is a form of periodontal disease that affects the gums,” says Sieira. “It’s characterised by inflammation, where the tissue becomes noticeably red, sensitive or even painful.” While there are many triggers, the most common culprit is the buildup of bacterial plaque. Sieira explains: “A bacterial biofilm forms – the bacteria secrete a kind of ‘glue’ to shield themselves, making them resistant to different treatments intended to …