If you think a visit to the dentist is just about your teeth, think again. The same bacteria that enters the mouth can be found in other parts of the body — such as the heart — and research supports a strong connection between oral health and various systemic diseases. Improving your oral hygiene and communicating with your dentist can be instrumental in preventing, identifying and treating many health problems such as the ones detailed below.
Mouth-Body Connection
Not only can problems in your mouth negatively impact your overall health, but your oral health offers clues about the rest of your body. You may be surprised to find that many common health issues are highly linked to oral health problems. These include:
- Respiratory illness
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, can increase the severity of respiratory illnesses, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. As a person with infected gums breathes in bacteria from the mouth over time, the bacteria can lead to inflammation in the lungs, thus increasing the risk for respiratory infections.
- Diabetes
The connection between gum disease and diabetes is much like a double-edged sword. High blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes increases the risk for gum disease. At the same time, gum disease increases blood sugar levels and makes diabetes harder to control. The good news is that the successful treatment of one condition can improve the symptoms of the other in most cases.
- Heart disease
After decades of research, it has been found that chronic gum disease is linked to increased risk of heart attack and stroke. In fact, studies show that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to have cardiovascular disease. More studies are needed, but researchers believe that bacteria from the mouth travels into the bloodstream and contributes to the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, leading to the formation of heart disease.
- Obesity
Individuals affected by obesity are at a higher risk of developing gum disease. That’s because a higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with greater levels of inflammation in the body. Some studies suggest that gum disease advances more quickly when there is a high percentage of fat in the body. Likewise, weight gain is directly linked to a poor diet, which includes excess sugar — a main culprit of oral health problems, such as decay and gum disease.
- Pancreatic cancer
According to the Harvard School of Public Health, men who suffer from gum disease could be at increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Further studies are needed to determine the exact correlation, but researchers believe that inflammation caused by chronic infection in the gums can encourage the growth of cancer in the body.
- Rheumatoid arthritis
In recent years, researchers have found that gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis go hand in hand. Rheumatoid arthritis and gum disease share many features, and both interfere with the body’s inflammatory responses. Individuals with advanced rheumatoid arthritis are also more likely to experience more severe forms of gum disease.
- Pregnancy complications
Even unborn babies can be impacted by poor oral health. Pregnant women with gum disease are more likely to give birth prematurely to a low-birth weight baby. Because babies born too early or at a low birth weight often have serious health problems, it is important that women take important steps to protect their oral health throughout pregnancy.
An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Pound of Cure
Halting the progression of gum disease and maintaining good oral hygiene is key to preventing serious health problems in the body. To keep your teeth and gums healthy, you should:
- Brush up on your oral hygiene: Preventative at-home care is critical to keeping your teeth healthy and clean. Patients should be brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and flossing daily to remove harmful bacteria in the mouth. Simple care of your mouth at home can go a long way to improve your oral health and prevent serious systemic diseases.
- Improve your diet: The foods you eat and how frequently you eat them can have a significant impact on your teeth, gums and entire body. Eat a healthy, nutrient-rich diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains and lean proteins. Reduce the amount of sugary foods and drinks you consume, as they result in excess plaque and cause decay. By making wise food choices, both your smile and your total body health will thank you.
- Make healthy lifestyle choices: In addition to following a well-balanced diet, you should also incorporate regular exercise and other healthy habits into the regular rhythms of your life. Put an end to unhealthy habits such as smoking, as this will greatly benefit both your oral and overall health.
- Visit your dentist: Schedule routine checkups and cleanings with your dentist at least twice a year. Your dentist can detect problems in their early stages, recommend appropriate treatments, and collaborate with other physicians if other health conditions need to be addressed. If you suspect you have gum disease, even in its early stages, schedule a visit with your dentist right away. Common signs include red, swollen gums, and gums that bleed easily when you brush and floss.
Bottom line: Taking care of your oral health is an investment in your general health. Talk to your dentist about how you can prevent and manage many serious systemic diseases by practicing exceptional dental health habits at home.
Author bio: Teresa Tuttle is Marketing Director for Grove Dental Associates, a multi-specialty group dental practice in Chicago’s western suburbs. With more than 30 doctors and 50 years of practice experience, Grove Dental’s offices stay on the cutting edge of dentistry to better serve patients.