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The Connection Between Oral Health and Systemic Diseases

A dentist standing and examining a patient lying on a dental chair.

With an increase in a variety of health-related studies, it is becoming more and more apparent the central role of oral and dental care to one’s overall systemic health. Many will neglect their dental care thinking that it does not require the same level of attention as other parts of the body. This is a flawed logic, and in fact a holistic healthcare approach that views the entire human body as inextricably linked to its multiple parts is essential in maintaining overall bodily health. This holistic model is one that is seen throughout many non-Western, Indigenous health practices that have laid the foundation for modern-day dental and medical care that assesses an individual’s overall health by certain indications from other parts of the body.  If one is truly committed to staying healthy, preventive dental care must be an integral part of this plan. 

The Oral-Systemic Health Connection

connection between poor oral health and various systemic diseases

There are many clear examples of how one’s oral health directly impacts the body’s overall health. Periodontal disease, which is most often known as a disease or inflammation of the gums, is also associated with heart disease and diabetes. Although it is difficult to prove direct causality, the risk of developing other health issues when oral health is neglected is strikingly obvious. When there are a variety of oral pathogens in your mouth this can cause inflammation throughout your body where these bacteria then enter the bloodstream. Once bacteria has entered the bloodstream, it puts an individual at an increased risk of atherosclerosis, which is a buildup of plaque on the arteries.  Atherosclerosis is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease. The team of dentists at Ottawa Downtown Dentist are attuned to the variety of dental issues that can contribute to greater health risks, and are trained and properly equipped to identify problems early on given the patient is being seen regularly by both their dentist and primary care physician. 

Common Systemic Diseases Linked to Poor Oral Health

There are a variety of systemic diseases that are linked to poor oral health including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, rheumatoid arthritis, and a variety of pregnancy complications. Gum disease has proven to increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes contributing to further cardiovascular complications. For those individuals with diabetes, oral infections can worsen blood sugar control. The link between diabetes and oral health is clear because when blood sugar is not controlled well it can lead to a variety of oral health issues. High glucose levels in one’s saliva causes the creation of harmful bacteria in your mouth. Sugar helps bacteria to grow more, and when combined with food can cause plaque contributing to tooth decay and cavities. Bacteria in the mouth can also be aspirated into the lungs causing a variety of respiratory infections. Inflammation of the gums can cause that swelling to be transferred to the joints causing rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, pregnant women who neglect their oral care and develop oral infections are at increased risk of premature birth and a low birth weight. This is due to the fact that bacteria coming from the mouth can then travel through the amniotic fluid to the placenta into the fetal membranes causing placental dysfunction and or infection. 

The Role of Inflammation

The National Institute of Health has conducted a variety of scientific studies on the impact of poor oral health on the rest of the body with a particular focus on the role of inflammation. Periodontal disease has been associated with a variety of health problems, as mentioned before, including diabetes, obesity, eating disorders, Alzheimer disease, rheumatoid arthritis, pregnancy complications, and cancer. When there is already chronic inflammation inside your mouth, it can lower the body’s ability to fight infection and directly and negatively affect the immune system. The study has noted that a variety of factors can influence the acquisition of severe health issues including genetics, environmental factors, medications, diet, exercise, among others. 

It is important to distinguish between acute inflammation and chronic inflammation as the former can actually be helpful in combating infection and tissue repair. Chronic inflammation however is what can lead to disease and potentially cancer development. It is important that the inflammation of the mouth as well as the rest of the body is assessed to determine whether an individual is suffering from chronic inflammation, which can put them at greater risk for a variety of health issues. 

Preventive Measures and Tips for Oral and Overall Health

In order to prevent inflammation and other oral health issues, it is important to get regular dental checkups and maintain one’s oral hygiene on a daily basis. This includes brushing teeth for at least two minutes at each brush time, and making sure to move in swooping, circular motions all around your mouth and gums, in order to remove plaque and build up. Also, flossing twice a day is essential to removing additional food and other components that could become bacteria. Most importantly, one’s oral and systemic health is directly correlated with one’s habits and lifestyle. Having a well-balanced, healthy diet, exercising for at least 30 minutes a day, and not smoking or drinking excessively can greatly improve one’s oral health and overall bodily health. It is important to stay committed to a healthy lifestyle as an important component for oral, bodily, and mental health. 

The Role of Dentists and Physicians in Holistic Health

It is important that both dental and medical professionals are working together in a mutual approach for the needs of their patients to ensure positive health outcomes, and to implement preventive measures related to both oral and bodily health. Although often times it is physicians who diagnose individuals with systemic diseases, it can very well be your dentist, through just a routine check up, to identify early signs of infection or inflammation that can be treated early on to prevent a more serious medical ailment. When physicians and dentists are in communication about infection and inflammation, they can work together to establish the best approach to avoid the spreading of certain diseases through a holistic, preventive care model.

The Bottom Line

With cancer and other health related issues skyrocketing, one must be particularly attuned to the variety of ways that they can prevent the acquisition of certain health problems. One cannot underestimate the importance of oral health to one’s overall wellbeing. In Chinese medicine for example, when patients come in for a check up, doctors often look at an individual’s tongue to determine their health. This further emphasizes the deep roots of holistic medicine in traditional, non-Western communities where oral health is an important determinant of disease or inflammation in other parts of the body, and its importance cannot be underestimated. To start or continue in your journey to prioritize your dental care and overall bodily health, consider Ottawa Downtown Dentist as your provider. Ottawa Downtown Dentists expert team provides a welcoming atmosphere to ensure your dedication and commitment to a healthy lifestyle through preventative dental care.