When you think about staying healthy, brushing and flossing might not be the first things that come to mind. But your oral health plays a big role in keeping the rest of your body healthy too. Research shows a strong link between the health of your teeth and gums and conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and more.
At Lake Baldwin Dental, we believe in caring for your whole body, not just your smile. Let’s take a closer look at how oral health and overall health are connected and how we can help you protect both.
What Is the Oral-Systemic Connection?
Your mouth is like a gateway to the rest of your body. This may seem obvious, but many people don’t consider how their oral health might affect the rest of their body.
Our mouths are full of bacteria. Most are harmless, but some can cause trouble if they aren’t kept in check. When you don’t remove plaque regularly through brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings, harmful bacteria can grow and cause gum disease or infections.
These bacteria don’t just stay in your mouth. They can travel through your bloodstream, spreading inflammation to other parts of your body and increasing your risk for health problems.
It works both ways, too. Some health conditions can make it harder to keep your mouth healthy. For example:
- Diabetes can increase the sugar levels in your saliva, which feeds harmful bacteria and leads to more plaque, decay, and gum disease. It also slows healing, making it harder for your gums to recover from injuries and inflammation.
- Osteoporosis can weaken the bones that support your teeth, increasing your risk of tooth loss. Some medications for osteoporosis can also affect your gums and jaw.
- Certain medications can cause dry mouth, which reduces saliva and makes it harder for your mouth to fight bacteria naturally.
Understanding that oral health is a key part of your overall well-being, let’s look at some specific health conditions that have been linked to oral health.
Health Conditions Linked to Oral Health
While some oral health issues, like infections and abscesses, can clearly put your health at risk, others have a more subtle connection. The oral-systemic link is an area of ongoing research, and while we need more information to establish a causative relationship in many cases, there is compelling evidence to show a strong relationship between oral health and specific systemic health problems.
1. Heart Disease
Multiple studies have shown that poor oral health increases your likelihood of developing cardiovascular problems. This may be because the same bacteria that cause gum inflammation can travel through your bloodstream and lead to inflammation in your arteries and contribute to heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular issues.
2. Diabetes
There’s a two-way relationship between diabetes and gum disease. High blood sugar may increase sugars in your saliva, making it easier for bacteria to grow, increasing your risk for gum infections. In turn, gum disease can make it harder to control your blood sugar levels and increase your risk for type 2 diabetes.
3. Pregnancy Complications
Gum disease during pregnancy has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight. Likewise, pregnancy can cause significant oral health issues such as pregnancy gingivitis. Keeping your gums healthy is an important part of caring for yourself and your baby during pregnancy.
4. Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancers
There is a strong link between periodontal disease and pancreatic health problems. In fact, men with periodontal disease are 54% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer. While the exact mechanism for this link needs more research, a causative relationship appears to be clear at this point.
5. Cognitive Decline
Emerging research shows that people with missing teeth have a higher risk for cognitive impairment as they age, including dementia and possibly even Alzheimer’s Disease. This may have to do with chronic inflammation, nutritional deficiencies due to difficulty chewing, or damage from the bacteria themselves.
6. Arthritis
There is a strong link between Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and periodontal disease. People with RA may be more prone to gum disease, and likewise the chronic inflammation from untreated gum disease may increase inflammation and RA symptoms elsewhere in the body.
7. Some Types of Cancer
Other than pancreatic cancer specifically, oral health problems may increase your risks for many types of cancer. A recent study found that people with severe periodontal disease had a 24% increased relative risk of developing cancer. Lung and colorectal cancers had the strongest link to gum disease.
Now that we’ve seen how your oral health is a key part of your overall wellness, let’s look at a few warning signs that your oral health may need some help.
Signs Your Oral Health May Be Affecting Your Body
- Persistent gum inflammation or bleeding gums
- Chronic bad breath that doesn’t go away
- Loose teeth or receding gums
- Fatigue or worsening symptoms of systemic conditions
- Changes to the size, shape, or position of your gums
- Chronic cavities, even though you brush and floss very well
- A history of gum disease and struggles with inflammation elsewhere in your body
- Missing teeth that haven’t been replaced
- Worsening symptoms of conditions like diabetes or heart disease coupled with a history of poor oral health
- Struggles keeping your teeth clean
Protecting Your Oral and Systemic Health
The good news is that taking care of your mouth helps protect the rest of your body too! Here are a few simple steps you can take to stay healthy:
- Stick to a Strong Oral Care Routine
Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your enamel and fight decay. Don’t forget to floss daily to remove plaque between your teeth.
- Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, which feed bacteria and lead to plaque. Staying hydrated helps wash away bacteria and keeps your saliva flowing.
- Avoid Tobacco
Smoking or chewing tobacco harms your teeth, gums, and overall health. Quitting can lower your risk for gum disease, tooth loss, and serious health conditions like cancer.
- Stay on Top of Dental Visits
Regular check-ups and cleanings are essential for catching problems early and removing tartar that can’t be brushed away. The more consistent you are with your cleanings, the more comfortable and effective they’ll be.
We’re Here to Help You Enjoy a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles!
At Lake Baldwin Dental, we’re passionate about helping you live life to the fullest with a strong, healthy smile and better overall health. We’ll always take the time to listen to your concerns and give you personalized advice so you can make confident choices about your care.
Your oral health matters for your smile and so much more! Call our dental office in Orlando, FL, today to schedule an appointment and take the next step toward a healthier you.
