The Connection Between Oral Health and Systemic Diseases

The Impact of Oral Health on Your Overall Health

For years, scientists have been studying the link between oral health and overall health. While research is still ongoing, there are certain connections that are now well-documented. For example, significant associations have been found between periodontal disease and conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease. The common thread linking these diseases is inflammation, and chronic low-level inflammation contributes to oral issues and issues like heart disease, cancer, and cognitive decline. Understanding these connections underscores how important it is to maintain good oral health, in order to promote overall well-being.

The Impact of Inflammation

When oral health is neglected, the result can be periodontitis and tooth decay. These conditions are the result of bacterial growth, and the wounds they cause in the mouth, either in terms of cavities or pockets of infection in the gums, can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream. The body’s response to bacteria is inflammation, and with a condition like periodontal disease, this inflammation becomes chronic, contributing to systemic disease. In the case of cardiovascular disease, it is believed that the risk is significantly increased by the combination of bacteria from the mouth and inflammation of the body.

Diabetes and Oral Health

In the case of diabetes, the link with oral health goes both ways. Diabetes increases the risk of infection, including infections in the mouth. In fact, 95 percent of people with diabetes have periodontal disease as well. Unfortunately, periodontal disease makes it difficult to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. For people whose diabetes is not being properly treated, this can lead to catastrophic health conditions. Untreated periodontal disease in someone with diabetes raises the risk of conditions like cardiovascular disease, retinopathy, and kidney disease. The good news is that early evidence suggests that treating periodontal disease can lower A1C levels, improving diabetic control.

Kidney Disease and Oral Health

It is particularly important for people with kidney disease to maintain good oral health. While a healthy person might not sustain much damage from a minor infection in the mouth, the same infection can be a massive issue for a person with kidney disease. Serious dental infections can even prevent patients from being approved for a kidney transplant.

Inflammation and Other Systemic Illnesses

There is a growing body of evidence connecting oral disease, especially periodontal disease, with a host of illnesses and ailments. Rheumatoid arthritis, irritable bowel disease, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and even Alzheimer’s disease have been linked with poor oral health. Inflammation is the condition that links all of these illnesses, and by practicing good oral care and maintaining the health of the mouth, we can reduce that inflammation and improve the overall wellness of the entire body.

Good Oral Health Starts with the Right Dental Practice

The first step towards improving your oral health is regular appointments with an expert, knowledgeable dental practice with a sterling reputation. At Park 56 Dental Group, we offer pediatric, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, Invisalign®, emergency, and sedation dentistry, all at the highest level of treatment. We serve the Midtown, Central Park, Upper East Side, Park Avenue, and all surrounding Manhattan and New York areas, with a patient-centered practice that has hours to fit your schedule. Schedule your complimentary consultation today by contacting us online or calling us at (212) 826-2322.