At some point in the history of the United States, the mouth was effectively separated from the rest of the body. This leads to MDs having a poor understanding of oral health conditions, and because of that lack of understanding, the links between oral health and overall health are often overlooked.

There is a strong link between oral health and overall health. Poor oral health has been associated with many systemic health conditions, including:

  • Cardiovascular disease: Poor oral health has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
  • Diabetes:  People with diabetes are at a higher risk for gum disease, and gum disease can make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels.
  • Respiratory infections:  Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs and cause infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
    • A lot of research has gone into this field since 2020 and with the COVID-19 epidemic. 
    • Patients with periodontal disease who contract COVID-19 are more likely to:
      • Develop COVID-19-related pneumonia (4x)
      • Require hospital admission (36x)
      • Require assisted ventilation (7x)
      • Die from COVID-19 (14x)
    • Read more here: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00784-021-04111-3
  • Pregnancy complications:  Pregnant women with gum disease may be at a higher risk of premature birth and low birth weight.
  • Alzheimer’s disease:  Poor oral health has been linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. A study just this month reinforced that those with untreated cavities (dental caries) are at higher risk for Alzheimer’s.
  • Kidney disease:  Studies have found that people with gum disease are more likely to have chronic kidney disease.
  • Cancer:  Some studies have suggested that poor oral health may be linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, such as pancreatic cancer.
  • Erectile dysfunction:  Periodontal disease has been linked to erectile dysfunction.

Maintaining good oral health, including brushing and flossing regularly and getting regular dental check-ups and cleanings, can help improve overall health and reduce the risk and severity of many medical conditions. One in three adults will develop periodontal disease and need cleanings more frequently than every 6 months to prevent the progression of gum infection and bone loss.

If you have periodontal disease, you can see more about laser debridement of the pockets to reduce the bacterial load that causes the chronic inflammation and systemic health complications here.

If you’re interested in reading more, a journal with over 100 citations can be found here:

https://annals.edu.sg/periodontal-disease-and-systemic-health-an-update-for-medical-practitioners/