Gum Disease News and Research

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Gum disease or periodontal disease is an infection caused by bacteria under the gum tissue that begin to destroy the gums and bone. Teeth become loose, chewing becomes difficult, and teeth may have to be extracted. Gum disease may also be related to damage elsewhere in the body; recent studies point to associations between such oral infections and diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and preterm, low-weight births. Research is underway to further examine these connections.

Study finds link between Pg-induced periapical disease and systemic metabolic dysfunction

New study examines the oral pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) and suggests its influence may extend beyond dental tissues.

3 Dec 2025

Evidence links severe gum disease to erectile dysfunction and broader men’s health risks

A healthy mouth is also key to a healthy body, as gum disease has been linked to non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer's.

20 Nov 2025

New insights into periodontitis reveal gender-specific inflammatory mechanisms

A study out of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has unveiled new insights into the inflammatory processes behind periodontitis, a common and debilitating gum disease. Research conducted by UNC Adams School of Dentistry's Julie Marchesan, DDS, PhD, and UNC School of Medicine's Jenny Y. Ting, PhD, found that a part of the immune system called the inflammasome plays a key role in disease development, and that blocking this system prevents bone resorption only in males.

14 Nov 2025

Unexpected traces of bacteria found within brain tumors

Researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have uncovered unexpected traces of bacteria within brain tumors.

14 Nov 2025

Studies uncover two novel, critical strategies for bacterial surface movement

New studies from Arizona State University reveal surprising ways bacteria can move without their flagella - the slender, whip-like propellers that usually drive them forward.

8 Nov 2025

People with both cavities and gum disease may face higher ischemic stroke risk

People with both cavities and gum disease may face a higher risk of ischemic stroke, according to a study published on October 22, 2025, in Neurology Open Access, an official journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

23 Oct 2025

Study shows link between gum disease and white matter hyperintensities

Adults with gum disease may be more likely to have signs of damage to the brain's white matter, called white matter hyperintensities, than people without gum disease, according to a new study published on October 22, 2025, in Neurology Open Access, an official journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

23 Oct 2025

Mediterranean diet linked to better gum health

People living in the UK and following a diet close to the Mediterranean diet are more likely to have better gum health, with potentially lower amounts of gum disease and inflammation.

15 Sep 2025

Long-read sequencing uncovers massive DNA elements shaping human oral microbiome

Researchers including those at the University of Tokyo have made a surprising discovery hiding in people's mouths: Inocles, giant DNA elements that had previously escaped detection.

10 Sep 2025

Mouth and gut microbes talk to each other - here’s why it matters for disease

Researchers reviewed nearly 250 studies to uncover how the oral and gut microbiomes communicate through multiple pathways, influencing the risk of diseases such as IBD, colorectal cancer, and cardiovascular disorders. The review highlights that maintaining oral health and dietary habits is crucial for overall systemic wellbeing.

4 Aug 2025

Dental floss may offer a novel vaccine delivery method

Researchers have demonstrated a novel vaccine delivery method in an animal model, using dental floss to introduce vaccine via the tissue between the teeth and gums.

28 Jul 2025

Oral health function linked to markers of lifestyle-related diseases in older adults

The term 'oral health' refers to the health of the mouth, teeth, gums, and other related structures, and it is closely linked with our well-being and quality of life.

12 Jul 2025

Uncovering unexpected impacts of popular GLP-1 diabetes drugs

GLP-1 drugs show promise in diabetes management, offering heart and kidney benefits, but also highlight the need for vigilance regarding new health risks.

17 Jun 2025

Toothbrush-shaped ultrasound transducer can provide less invasive screening for gum disease

When visiting the dentist, you might remember being poked and prodded by a thin metal instrument to check your teeth and gums.

6 Jun 2025

Study links gum disease symptoms to higher risk of multiple chronic conditions

A major new study presented at EuroPerio11, the world's leading congress in periodontology and implant dentistry by the EFP, has found that people with signs of gum disease are more likely to suffer from multiple chronic health conditions, a state known as multimorbidity.

12 May 2025

Intermittent fasting may dampen inflammatory responses in the gums

New research presented today at EuroPerio11, the world's leading congress in periodontology and implant dentistry by the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP), suggests that intermittent fasting could help reduce inflammation in the gums and improve certain health markers, even when oral hygiene is temporarily neglected.

12 May 2025

Saving teeth through regeneration offers long-term benefits over implants

A major long-term study presented at EuroPerio11, the world's leading congress on gum health and implant dentistry by the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP), reveals that saving teeth with severe bone loss through periodontal regeneration (PR) offers benefits equal to - if not greater than - replacing them with dental implants or bridges.

12 May 2025