“You are not healthy without good oral health.”
-U.S. Surgeon General
The mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body and as such is highly connected to the overall health of a person. Did you know that losing all your teeth before the age of 65 puts you at a 50% higher risk of death from all causes? Increasing amounts of research show that an unhealthy mouth can have significant ramifications on a persons well-being.
The bacteria living in your mouth certainly don’t stay there. The circulatory system that keeps your heart pumping and oxygen flowing can also be infected with damaging bacteria if they are being harbored in your mouth. The same bacteria that causes periodontal (gum) disease has been found to negatively affect patients with diabetes. Uncontrolled or poorly controlled diabetics have a weakened immune system that puts them at higher risk for developing periodontal disease. Adversely, if a patient has chronic periodontal disease, it can negatively affect their efforts at controlling their diabetes.
The connection doesn’t end with diabetics. What about heart disease? Heart disease is the leading killer of men and women in the United States. Research shows that the same bacteria responsible for periodontal disease is a major contributor to worsening cardiovascular disease. In fact, those with periodontal disease are twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease AND have an increased susceptibility to strokes.
Not a diabetic and in fantastic cardiovascular health? Then consider if you, or someone you know, has been or is pregnant. Periodontal pathogens are able to cross the placental barrier. The nature of periodontal bacteria is to cause a heightened immune response, wherein the body attacks itself to attempt to rid itself of the bacteria. This can cause preterm contractions and thus premature birth and low birthweight babies. Just increasing oral hygiene to cut the amount of bacteria in the mouth can reduce these risks by approximately 50%.
Patients suffering from respiratory diseases are also at risk when oral hygiene isn’t optimal and periodontal disease is prevalent. Inhaling small droplets with infectious bacteria can worsen existing conditions like bronchitis, emphysema and COPD. It can also be a leading cause in developing pneumonia. With periodontal disease being prevalent in approximately half of the adult American population, and almost 70% of the over age 65 population, the effects of having an ongoing oral infection are most certainly systemic and treating these infections can absolutely benefit your overall health.
Let your dentist or dental hygienist know right away if you are experiencing any concerning symptoms, such as pain, sensitivity, swelling or bleeding gums. Practicing good homecare, like brushing twice daily and flossing routinely, as well as scheduling your biannual checkups and cleanings will help keep your oral health optimal.
S. Paige Tscherpel, RDH, BSDH
Consulted Sources Include:
http://www.toothwisdom.org/resources/entry/mouth-body-connection
http://www.rochesterperiodontal.com/periodontal-disease/the-mouth-body-connection/
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475?pg=2