How Gum Disease Connects to Chronic Health Conditions
Written by: Mariam Shahzad and Ihsaan Alam
When I spoke with Dr. Artem Mkrtichyan, a dentist practicing in New Jersey, our conversation quickly shifted from teeth to overall health. He explained that gum disease isn’t just a dental problem; it can affect the entire body. According to him, the mouth contains many types of bacteria, and when harmful bacteria begin to dominate, they can enter the bloodstream through the gums and circulate throughout the body. That’s why he emphasizes routine dental checkups even when nothing feels wrong, because problems can develop below the surface long before patients notice symptoms.
A big part of our discussion focused on the connection between gum disease and chronic illnesses, especially diabetes. Dr. Mkrtichyan explained that uncontrolled blood sugar can affect bones and gums, which can make dental treatment more complicated and increase the risk of complications. In those cases, he said it’s important to address the underlying condition first before moving forward with dental procedures. He stressed that the body’s systems are interconnected, so it’s unrealistic to expect one part of the body to stay healthy if another part isn’t being managed.
We also talked about how misinformation online has made some patients afraid of dental procedures, especially root canals. Dr. Mkrtichyan said that current research shows properly performed root canals can preserve natural teeth and function safely, and there isn’t enough scientific evidence linking them to chronic disease. Because of that, dentists generally try to save natural teeth whenever possible instead of immediately removing them, since treatments like implants or crowns also carry risks and shouldn’t be the first option if a tooth can still be treated.
Another point he emphasized was that gum health is actually what determines whether teeth last long term. Even if teeth themselves are healthy, they can still be lost if the bone and gum tissue supporting them break down. Daily habits like brushing, flossing, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle help slow that process and protect the foundation that holds teeth in place.
Dr. Mkrtichyan also mentioned common misconceptions he hears from patients. For example, some people think bleeding gums when flossing means they should stop. In reality, he explained that bleeding is often a sign of inflammation from plaque buildup, and it usually improves once someone flosses consistently. He also noted that water flossers can be helpful tools but don’t replace traditional floss, since they can’t remove sticky plaque as effectively.
When I asked how he handles younger patients who already have significant dental problems, he said treatment always has two parts: addressing the cause and treating the damage. Even if a dentist fixes cavities or other issues, they can return if daily habits don’t change. While factors like genetics can’t be controlled, hygiene is something patients can control, and it plays a major role in long-term outcomes.
What stood out most from our conversation was his overall message: oral health is closely tied to systemic health. Gum disease isn’t just about your mouth, it can influence how well the rest of your body functions. According to Dr. Mkrtichyan, prevention through daily care and regular dental visits is one of the most important steps people can take for their long-term health.
Reference:
Mkrtichyan, Artem. Personal interview. 8 Feb. 2026.
