Oral Health Linked To Overall Health

By Marilyn E. Coleman, DDS

The importance of brushing your teeth and flossing regularly is no secret good dental hygiene keeps your mouth healthy while preventing oral problems such as bad breath, gingivitis, cold sores and tooth decay. However, researchers are finding that oral health problems can also have negative health effects that extend far beyond your mouth.

The most common factor that can affect overall health is periodontal (gum) disease, which is often caused by plaque buildup.

Plaque is a thin film of bacteria that is constantly forming in your mouth as you eat or drink. These bacteria produce acids that attack the enamel and roots of your teeth, causing decay. Over time, plaque buildup can lead to gum disease, which is where the trouble really begins.

Many studies have shown that gum disease is associated with heart disease. While a cause-and-effect relationship is still being evaluated, it is fairly certain that gum disease increases the risk of heart disease. Scientists believe that inflammation caused by gum disease may be responsible.

Links have been established between gum disease and several other serious health issues, such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. In the case of diabetes, it has been shown that people who do not control their diabetes develop gum disease more often and more severely, and they lose more teeth than do persons with good control.

Research has also suggested that the relationship between diabetes and gum disease goes both ways gum disease may make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar.

A German study found that people with rheumatoid arthritis had moregum diseasethan people without rheumatoid arthritis in fact, the rheumatoid arthritis patients had eight times the odds of developing gum disease. Another study found that people with severe rheumatoid arthritis experienced less pain after having their gum disease treated.

In addition, gum disease can have serious effects on your health in your later years. Researchers have found that gum disease can raise the risk of dementia or other cognitive impairments. A recent study found that participants with severe gum disease scored worse on memory tests and calculations as compared to healthier participants.

Research linking gum disease to premature birth is still ongoing. However, various studies suggest that untreated gum disease may account for a large share of premature births.

It appears that the evidence linking poor oral health to other health problems will only continue to grow. To prevent these problems, you should always practice good dental hygiene and consult a dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral health evaluations.