Dental Issues
There is a connection between oral and gastrointestinal, and digestive health. The H. pylori bacteria that cause stomach ulcers may go from the stomach to the mouth and harm the gum tissues. This condition can lead to many dental issues, such as swollen gums. Indigestion caused by peptic ulcer can also lead to foul breath. Since ulcers pose symptoms of heartburn where the substances can be regurgitated, the acid may reach the throat and, eventually, the mouth area. The increased acid may dissolve the various mineral components that make up teeth. Enamel degradation can weaken the teeth and become more vulnerable to cavities.
On the other hand, ulcers can also be caused by certain bacteria that develop in the mouth due to poor dental care. There are 700 distinct types of bacteria in the average human mouth, including H. pylori which thrives near the gum line. Because it is gram-negative, this bacterium can survive with little or no oxygen. Since the stomach has little oxygen, H. pylori may be ingested repeatedly in the stomach area, creating lesions in the stomach lining that eventually become ulcers. Individuals with poor oral hygiene and multiple tooth caries, particularly those with periodontitis, were recorded to have an abundance of H. pylori in their cavities or gum area.
