How Oral Health Affects Overall Well-Being

The Impact of Oral Health on Overall Well-Being

We know that oral health and overall health are intrinsically linked, but to what extent is this true? How does oral health affect overall well-being? Oral health is essential to general health and well-being. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH)  in the article “Connection Between Oral Health and Chronic Diseases,” the oral cavity serves as a critical indicator of overall health and is inextricably linked to chronic disorders.

Our professional dental team at Hamby Family Dental Center is well educated on the connection between oral health and chronic conditions. In this article, we explore some of these connections.

Link between Oral Health and Chronic Conditions

Poor oral hygiene can lead to major sources of inflammation and periodontal disease that can increase the risk of serious, chronic, and sometimes life-threatening conditions. Harmful bacteria in the mouth can travel through the bloodstream, triggering inflammation, causing blood clots, or spreading infection throughout the body. In addition to poor dental health causing oral cancer, gum disease, tooth loss, bad breath, and dental decay, it can also lead to diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease, and chronic kidney disease, just to mention a few.  Preventing periodontal disease is critical in maintaining good oral health.

Now, let us look at how oral health can affect some of these chronic health conditions.

Diabetes

There is a bidirectional (two-way) relationship between poor oral health and diabetes. Chronic gum disease can make it harder to manage blood sugar, increasing diabetes risk or making the condition worse.

Conversely, high blood sugar from diabetes weakens the immune system, making gum disease and infections more severe and more likely. If you have diabetes and it is uncontrolled, it can severely impact oral health by increasing saliva glucose levels. This fuels bacteria, plaque buildup, and infections. High blood sugar weakens the immune system, leading to a higher risk of severe gum disease (periodontitis), tooth decay, dry mouth, and oral thrush. Poor oral health, in turn, makes blood sugar more difficult to control.

Heart Disease

Oral health is directly linked to heart disease, primarily through inflammation and bacteria from gum disease (periodontitis) entering the bloodstream. Harmful oral bacteria can cause blood vessel inflammation, accelerate plaque buildup in arteries (atherosclerosis), and raise the risk of blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes.

Some connections between oral and heart health include:

• Systemic Inflammation: Chronic gum disease triggers an immune response that causes inflammation throughout the body, which damages blood vessels and affects the heart.
• Bacterial Transport: Bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream, travel to the heart, and potentially cause infections like endocarditis (inflammation of the heart lining).
• Atherosclerosis: Toxins from oral bacteria can damage the inner lining of blood vessels and promote the accumulation of plaque, contributing to vascular disease.
• Blood Pressure Issues: Poor oral health has been linked to higher blood pressure and, in some cases, difficulty managing it, according to the American Heart Association.
• Increased Risk Factors: Research suggests a correlation between severe tooth loss and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease mortality.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

There is a bidirectional (two-way) relationship between poor oral health and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Poor oral health, particularly gum disease, is strongly linked to the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) because bacteria from infections can travel through the bloodstream, accelerating kidney damage. Conversely, kidney disease causes immune system weakness and metabolic changes that lead to dental issues like dry mouth, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Some key connections between oral health and CKD include:

• Bacteria and Inflammation: Bacteria from periodontal (gum) disease can travel through the bloodstream and, in patients with weakened immune systems due to CKD, increase systemic inflammation, which can further damage the kidneys.
• Weakened Immune System: Because CKD compromises the immune system, minor oral infections can quickly become major problems.
• Impact of Dialysis: Patients on dialysis often experience dry mouth (xerostomia), which increases the risk of tooth decay and infections.
• Uremic Effects: High levels of urea in the saliva of people with kidney disease can cause ammonia-like bad breath (uremic fetor), gum enlargement, and a higher risk of gum disease.
• Preventive Care: Proper, regular dental hygiene (brushing/flossing) is critical, as severe periodontitis is linked to a higher risk of mortality in people with kidney disease.

Respiratory Disease

Poor oral health is directly linked to an increased risk of respiratory diseases, such as pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchitis. Harmful oral bacteria from gum disease (periodontal disease) and plaque can be inhaled into the lungs, triggering infections and inflammation, particularly in the elderly or immunocompromised individuals.

• Aspiration of Bacteria: Bacteria in the mouth and throat can be breathed into the lower respiratory tract, causing infections like pneumonia.
• Gum Disease and Infection: Advanced gum disease provides a breeding ground for pathogens that, when inhaled, aggravate or cause chronic respiratory conditions like COPD.
• Inflammation Spreading: Inflammation from oral infection can travel through the bloodstream and impact the respiratory system.
• Impact on Lung Defenses: Poor oral health can damage the mucosal lining in the respiratory tract, making it harder for the lungs to remove pathogens.

Cancer

Cancer remains a serious worldwide health risk, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), yet this organization estimates that between 30-50% of cancers are preventable. The WHO suggests you can reduce your chances of developing cancer by avoiding common risk factors and by adopting healthy preventative habits. Oral health plays an important role in reducing the risk of developing cancer.

Gum disease is a primary risk factor for developing cancers caused by bacteria and inflammation. Inflamed, bleeding gums allow harmful bacteria to enter your bloodstream and reach other parts of your body. Without treatment, the cascading effect of infection and inflammation can cause serious harm throughout your body.

Key Studies

In recent years, key studies have identified a link between gum disease and the risk of developing cancer.

• A Harvard study found a 43% higher risk of esophageal cancer and a 52% higher risk of stomach cancer among individuals who had periodontal disease.
• In that same study, it was also found that people with periodontal disease had a 17% higher risk of developing colon polyps, and in those who had lost four or more teeth (a possible indicator of periodontal disease), the risk was 20% higher.
• Another study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute revealed a 24% increased risk of developing cancer among participants with severe periodontitis, and a 28% increased risk among patients with no teeth (often a sign of severe periodontitis).

Types of Cancer Linked to Oral Health

The above research has linked gum diseases to several cancers impacting the digestive system, including oral, stomach, and colon cancers.

• Oral cancer, also known as mouth cancer, includes all cancers that occur in the lips, cheeks, tongue, palate, throat, and floor of the mouth. Oral cancer is one of the most common of all cancers. Anyone can get oral cancer, but the risks are greater if you are male, over 40 years old, and use tobacco or alcohol. Sun exposure is a risk for lip cancer, just as it is for skin cancer.
• Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a type of cancer that develops in the cells lining the stomach. It often begins in the mucus-producing cells on the inner lining of the stomach and can spread to other parts of the body.
• Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the large intestine (colon) or rectum. It usually develops from small, non-cancerous growths called polyps that form on the inner lining of the colon or rectum.

Cancer Treatments

Additionally, cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation, and bone marrow transplants, can significantly affect oral health. It’s essential to monitor changes to oral health closely during cancer treatment, as oral health can impact both the effectiveness of the treatments and the overall quality of life.

Some of the side effects resulting from cancer treatment can include:

• Dry mouth (xerostomia) occurs when salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva, increasing the risk of tooth decay and infection
• Mouth sores (mucositis) are painful and can make eating difficult
• Bleeding gums
• Jaw pain
• Changes in taste

Prevention Can Begin with Good Oral Care

Committing to a complete oral care routine will help you avoid common oral health complications like cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease.

1. Clean between your teeth and at the gumline using interdental cleaning tools.
2. Brush your teeth twice daily for at least two minutes using fluoride toothpaste.
3. Complete the routine with a mouth rinse.
4. See your dentist for routine dental checkups.

Contact Hamby Family Dental Center for a Routine Dental Exam

Maintaining a regular schedule for cleaning and checking helps you to catch issues early and stay on top of any changes in your teeth and gums. If you are noticing signs of gum disease and inflammation, call us at Hamby Family Dental Center to schedule an appointment. Our dentists are here to help identify the issues that may be underlying your symptoms and provide treatments before your overall health is affected.

Contact us today to schedule your check-up. Call us at 919-552-2431 or complete the form below to request an appointment.