The Gingivitis and Black Mold Connection
When our gums are starting to bleed when we brush, are tender, and appear puffy, we may think the answer is more brushing. A little extra time spent on your oral hygiene never hurts in moderation. However, there are other potential causes for these symptoms. Pregnancy is one thing that can cause us to experience gingivitis-like symptoms. Another less well-known culprit is the presence of black mold in our environment. While black mold is known to cause respiratory issues, it can also irritate the soft tissues in our mouth, causing gingivitis-like symptoms.
Black Mold and Oral Health Concerns
To understand how black mold can impact oral health, you have to understand the life cycle of this fungus. Like most molds, it spreads itself through spores. However, these spores generally aren’t airborne. When we disturb the black mold, it releases its spores into the air where we can breathe them in. As we do, they can attach to the soft tissues in our mouth, throat, and lungs.
Spores that land in your sinuses and lungs can cause respiratory concerns. Congestion and bleeding lung disease are both known to occur in the presence of these spores. Those that land on the tissues of the mouth can cause gum irritation that appears similar to gingivitis. There are other ways that these spores affect your oral health as well:
- Dry Mouth – Congestion can plug our nasal passages, causing us to breathe through our mouths more. When we do this, it can lead to the saliva in our mouths drying. Saliva is directly involved in helping protect our teeth. It delivers important minerals, washes away food debris, and maintains a pH hostile to bacteria. When we have a dry mouth, it can leave our teeth defenseless. Halitosis is another symptom related to dry mouth and black mold.
- Amalgams – Mold and fungi are known to be attracted to heavy metals like mercury. The dark, moist, warm environment of our mouths is a perfect place for mold to grow and breed. If you have teeth with amalgam fillings that contain mercury, it’s even more comfortable for them.
- Mycotoxins – The spores produced by black mold also carry mycotoxins. These poisons found in black mold can cause your lungs, nose, and gums to bleed if you’re sensitive to them.
These are just the foremost concerns when it comes to dealing with black mold. If your home has a black mold infestation, it’s time to call the professionals. These infestations require immediate action from those skilled in handling black mold. If possible, remove your family from the home while the cleaning takes place.
Speak To Your Dentist About Mold Concerns
This period is a good time to speak to your health and dental providers to get help treating any symptoms you may have. They can perform tests to ensure that your dental and overall health is stable and unaffected. If any effects are found, they can provide treatment options to address them.
April Toyer, DDS, FAAPD
The team at Lifetime Dental Care brings a full range of services to patients in and around the Woodbridge, VA area. These four doctors bring a range of experience, diverse backgrounds, and professional knowledge together to provide families with a safe and friendly home for their oral health needs.