Could Your Oral Health Be Connected to These 5 Health Issues?
Posted on 09/21/2022
Your mouth is part of your body, and your oral health can connect to your overall health in ways you may not expect.
Researchers have found associations between periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, and several systemic health conditions. That does not necessarily mean gum disease directly causes these conditions, but inflammation, oral bacteria and shared risk factors may help explain some of the connections.
Here are five areas researchers continue to study.
1. Cardiovascular Disease
Periodontal disease has been associated with several cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis.
Researchers are studying whether chronic inflammation and bacteria associated with gum disease may contribute to inflammation elsewhere in the body.
However, current evidence does not prove that gum disease directly causes heart disease.
2. Diabetes
The connection between diabetes and gum disease is especially important because the relationship can go both ways.
High blood sugar can make gum disease more difficult to prevent and control. At the same time, periodontal inflammation may make blood sugar management more challenging.
People with diabetes should pay particular attention to regular dental care, brushing, and flossing.
3. Respiratory Health
Bacteria from the mouth can sometimes be inhaled into the respiratory tract.
Research has found associations between periodontal disease and respiratory illnesses including pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy may therefore be one more important part of maintaining overall health.
4. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Research has also identified an association between periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
Both conditions involve inflammatory processes, and researchers continue to investigate how oral bacteria, immune responses and inflammation may connect the two.
Again, an association does not necessarily mean that one condition directly causes the other.
5. Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia
Researchers have also studied possible connections between periodontal disease, oral bacteria and cognitive decline.
Periodontitis has been associated with dementia and Alzheimer's disease in observational research, but scientists have not established that gum disease directly causes Alzheimer's disease.
This remains an active area of research.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Oral Health?
Fortunately, the basics still matter.
Brush and Floss Consistently
Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily.
Regularly removing plaque helps reduce the bacteria that contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Regular dental examinations and professional cleanings can help identify gum disease before it becomes more advanced.
Your dentist can also recommend a cleaning schedule based on your individual oral health needs.
Keep Crowded Teeth Clean
Crowded or overlapping teeth can make brushing and flossing harder because more areas can trap plaque.
Orthodontic treatment can improve tooth alignment and may make it easier to maintain good oral hygiene.
Could Straighter Teeth Make Oral Care Easier?
If crowding or overlapping teeth are making it difficult to brush and floss effectively, an orthodontic evaluation may help.
At Tollgate Orthodontics, we help children, teens, and adults improve tooth alignment and create smiles that are easier to maintain.
Schedule a complimentary consultation to learn whether braces or clear aligners may be appropriate for you.
A straighter smile isn't only about appearance — it can also make daily oral care simpler.
Take care of your overall health by caring for your oral health!
Sources: mayoclinic.org, colgate.com