Gum Disease May Increase The Risk Of Kidney Disease

African Americans with gum disease may deal with an increased risk of kidney disease, according to recent findings presented at the American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week 2014 November 11¬-16 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA.

In fact, researchers actually found that the risk of gum disease can be four times higher in this group.

After comparing blacks with normal kidney function to those who have dealt with severe periodontal disease, researchers discovered that those with periodontal disease were about four times more likely to develop chronic kidney disease when compared to those with the oral condition.

For the study, researchers analyzed data from 699 African American adults who underwent regular dental checkups. As periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, starts out as an infection of the oral cavity and potential bone loss, as well, researchers found that the condition could be linked to chronic kidney disease.

"Because periodontal disease is common and can be prevented and treated, targeting it may be an important path towards reducing existing racial and ethnic disparities in chronic and end-stage kidney disease," said lead study author Dr. Vanessa Grubbs, in a news release. 

Even when researchers connected certain variables into the equation, including age, sex, diabetes, smoking and income into the equation, they found that those suffering from the issue were roughly 4.2 times more likely to develop chronic kidney disease.