The Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Health

There is a strong connection between oral health and overall health. Your oral health can offer clues about your overall health because much of what is going on in your mouth affects the rest of your body. For example, inflammation in the mouth and gums may spread to inflammation in other places, such as the skin. That is why your dentist should take a holistic view of oral health issues. These issues can inform health professionals of problems you may be experiencing in your overall health and well-being.

How Oral Health is a Leading Health Indicator

Healthy People 2020, a national health promotion and disease prevention initiative from the CDC, aiming to improve the health of all Americans by setting 10-year targets and tracking progress, identified oral health as one of the 10 leading health indicators. Good oral health enables you to functionally perform as a human being through speaking, smiling, smelling, and eating. It is also important for communication, human relationships, and financial prosperity.

Oral health serves as a leading indicator of overall health because, as the entry point for the digestive and respiratory systems, the mouth is a window to systemic health. When there are infections or inflammation in the mouth, these can spread to other parts of the body. In this way, certain oral diseases can be linked to various systemic conditions. Conversely, good oral health can be an indicator of overall well-being.

Oral Health and Systemic Diseases

Your mouth is an extension of the rest of your body. Poor oral health can include conditions such as gingivitis, periodontal disease, and tooth decay, which have been linked to an increased risk of various systemic diseases, including:

• Cardiovascular disease: Studies suggest that gum disease can contribute to heart attacks, atherosclerosis, and coronary heart disease.
• Diabetes: Periodontitis can indicate that diabetes is not under control.
• Respiratory infections: Poor oral health can increase the risk of respiratory infections such as pneumonia.
• Stroke: Poor oral health is linked to an increased risk of stroke.
• Osteoporosis: Poor oral health has been linked to osteoporosis.
• Premature births: Studies suggest that poor oral health can be a risk factor for premature births.

Conditions That Can Be Connected to Poor Oral Health

Poor oral health can contribute to several health issues that affect your whole body. These are some of the most critical.

Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease is a group of disorders related to your heart and blood vessels. Poor oral health is associated with forms of caradiovascular disease like:

• Coronary artery disease: Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease. It can lead to a heart attack, heart failure, and more. It is the leading cause of death in the U.S.
• Clogged arteries: Studies show that people with periodontal disease have significantly higher rates of atherosclerosis, when plaque builds up inside the blood vessels that deliver blood and oxygen from your heart to your body.
• Stroke: Studies show that periodontal disease is associated with cardiovascular disease. In the article in AHA Journals entitled “Periodontal Disease, Regular Dental Care Use, and Incident Schemic Stroke,” there is a shown connection with ischemic strokes and periodontal disease.

Endocarditis

If you have heart disease or other heart-related health issues, you are at a higher risk of developing endocarditis, an inflammation of the lining of your heart valves. Endocarditis is caused by a bacterial infection that you can contract during procedures like tooth extractions. For someone who has existing heart issues, endocarditis can be fatal.

Pneumonia

Cavities have been linked to developing pneumonia, a lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Bacteria from the mouth can aspirate into the upper airway and the lungs, causing pneumonia and making it easier for the bacteria that cause respiratory infections to adhere to the lungs.

What Affects Oral Health?

There are a few factors that contribute to the relationship between oral health and systemic health. Various factors including diet, hygiene practices, lifestyle choices, and underlying health conditions can affect your oral health. Poor oral hygiene, a diet high in sugar, tobacco use, and certain medical conditions can be major contributors to problems like tooth decay and gum disease.

Periodontal disease and systemic disorders share several common lifestyle risk factors, including:

• A poor diet, especially one high in sugar
• Tobacco use
• Excessive alcohol use
• High stress
• Oral hygiene

Oral Hygiene

Having poor oral hygiene has a direct impact on oral health. 

• Poor brushing and flossing: Neglecting to brush twice a day and floss daily allows plaque and bacteria to build up, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.
• Ignoring cavities: Untreated cavities can lead to tooth loss and other serious dental problems.
• Not visiting the dentist regularly: Routine check-ups and professional cleanings are critical for early detection and prevention of oral health issues.

Diet

A diet that is high in sugary foods and drinks and that lacks essential nutrients can lead to oral health issues. An unbalanced diet can weaken teeth and gums, making them more susceptible to disease. Eating a variety of vegetables and fruits that promote good oral health can counter these problems by adding important vitamins and nutrients.

Lifestyle Choices

Some lifestyle choices can lead to poor oral health, such as:

• Tobacco use: Smoking and chewing tobacco significantly increase the risk of gum disease, tooth loss, and mouth cancer.
• Excessive alcohol consumption: High alcohol intake can lead to dry mouth, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Stress: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of gum disease.

Underlying Health Conditions

• Diabetes: People with diabetes are more prone to gum disease and other oral health problems.
• Osteoporosis: This condition can weaken the jawbone, making teeth more susceptible to loss.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: This condition can cause inflammation in the mouth, leading to gum disease. Other autoimmune disorders such as Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus, and celiac disease can also lead to increased inflammation of the gums.
• HIV/AIDS: Individuals with HIV/AIDS are at higher risk for certain oral infections.
• Mental health conditions: Conditions like depression and anxiety can lead to poor oral hygiene and neglect of dental care.

Genetics

Certain people are more predisposed to developing periodontal disease and systemic diseases. Diabetes, osteoporosis, and sleep apnea can be found in families, all of which can add to oral health problems.

Medications

Certain medications can cause dry mouth, which increases the risk of cavities. Reduced saliva production leads to a higher risk of cavities and gum disease.

Protecting Your Oral Health

Even with the overall health factors that we have outlined in this article, maintaining good oral hygiene throughout your life goes a long way in protecting your overall well-being. Promote a healthy oral microbiome and dental health by taking care of your mouth every day with these best practices in dental care:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Use a brush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste. Brush your tongue also.
• Clean between your teeth daily with floss, a water flosser, or other products made for this purpose.
• Eat a healthy diet and limit sugary food and drinks.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Replace it sooner if the bristles are worn or flared out.
• See a dentist your dentist twice a year for check-ups and cleanings. Your dentist may suggest visits or cleanings more often, depending on your situation. You may be sent to a gum specialist (periodontist) if your gums need more care.
• Don’t use tobacco.

Contact Hamby Family Dental Center Today for Better Oral Health

Our dental professionals at Hamby Family Dental Center are committed to your overall health as well as your oral health. We check for signs that issues in your mouth, gums, and teeth may be affecting your overall well-being. Keeping up with your bi-annual dental exams is an important part of your oral health. We are accepting new patients. Contact us today to schedule your check-up. Call us at 919-552-2431 or complete the form below to request an appointment.