Patients often ask me if there are any connections between what happens in the mouth and the rest of the body. Many do not realize that bleeding gums, mouth infections, bad breath, plaque build-up, not brushing and flossing adequately, color changes in oral tissues, and irregular dental visits can all strongly affect your overall health.
In the last few years, scientific studies have shown connections and strong links between gum disease and the risk of heart disease or stroke. Other medical conditions that have been linked to gum disease include obesity, diabetes, kidney disease, lung disease, and other systemic illnesses. A connection that might surprise you — even premature births have been linked to untreated gum disease.
Besides gum disease, there are other oral health conditions that can affect your overall health. Tooth decay, if not treated promptly, can lead to infections in the nerves of the teeth. Neglected and infected teeth — or wisdom teeth that need to be extracted — can also cause severe infections in the mouth. These infections can then spread into the bones and the bloodstream, and potentially cause a variety of harmful medical conditions.
Your oral health can also have an effect on your partner. Dental studies have shown that the “bad bacteria” that cause gum disease can potentially be spread from one partner to another, by kissing and sharing saliva.
So be sure to keep up with your oral health routines and visit your dentist or periodontist regularly. You’re doing more than just maintaining a nice smile. You’re defending your health, by and large.
Are you surprised to hear some of the connections I mentioned? Have poor oral conditions affected your greater health in any way?
