(425) 348-8484Better Whole Body Health in 2018 Starts With Your Mouth
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Your oral health and your overall health are connected, but the connection is more nuanced than many headlines suggest. Researchers have found that gum disease is associated with several other health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease, and in the case of diabetes the relationship appears to run in both directions. What the research has not shown is that gum disease directly causes these conditions, or that treating your gums will prevent them. Caring for your mouth is still one of the most practical things you can do for your health, because it protects your teeth and gums and removes one source of chronic inflammation.
If you have set a goal to get healthier this year, your mouth is a good place to start. At Harbour Pointe Family Dentistry, our family dentistry team focuses on preventing and treating gum disease early for patients of every age. Below, we explain what gum disease is, what studies say about its links to the rest of the body, what those findings do and do not mean, and the daily habits that make the biggest difference.
What Happens When Oral Health Slips
When brushing and flossing are inconsistent, a sticky film of bacteria called plaque builds up along the gumline. Over time plaque hardens into tartar, which only a professional cleaning can remove, and the gums become inflamed. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, early gum disease can often be reversed with good daily care, while more advanced periodontal disease can damage the gums and bone that hold teeth in place. Our gum disease infographic shows how the stages progress, and if your gums have started to pull back, our post on what causes receding gums covers the most common reasons.
Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition, and inflamed gum tissue can allow oral bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Researchers are studying whether this ongoing inflammation and bacterial exposure may influence health elsewhere in the body. The NIDCR’s Oral Health in America report examines how oral health affects overall well-being, which is a good reminder that your mouth is not separate from the rest of you.
What Research Says About the Mouth and Body Connection
Studies have explored links between gum disease and a number of conditions. The strength of the evidence varies from one condition to the next, and in every case researchers describe an association rather than proof of cause.
Oral Health and Diabetes
Diabetes is the clearest example of a two-way connection. The CDC notes that gum disease can be more severe and take longer to heal in people with diabetes, and that gum disease may in turn make diabetes harder to manage. The CDC also notes that treating gum disease may help lower blood sugar over time. If you have diabetes, keeping your dental team informed and staying on top of cleanings is an important part of your overall care plan.
Oral Health and Heart Disease
A possible link between gum disease and heart disease has been discussed for many years. In a scientific statement, the American Heart Association reviewed the evidence and found that observational studies support an association between periodontal disease and atherosclerotic vascular disease, but do not support a causative relationship. The two conditions share risk factors such as smoking, age, and diabetes, and the statement found no evidence that gum treatment prevents heart disease or changes its outcomes.
Oral Health and Breast Cancer
Researchers have also looked at whether people with gum disease are diagnosed with certain cancers more often. We cover that research, and what it does and does not mean, in our post on gum disease and breast cancer.
Oral Health, Eating, and Nutrition
Your mouth is where digestion begins, and healthy teeth make it easier to chew a wide variety of nutritious foods. Advanced gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and missing teeth can make it harder to chew fresh vegetables, fruits, and other foods that take more effort. If you have missing teeth, talk with your dentist about options such as bridges, implants, or dentures. Our guide to the best options for replacing missing teeth compares them side by side.
Oral Health and Confidence
We all want to feel good, physically and mentally. Many people who are self-conscious about bad breath, stained or missing teeth, or receding gums say it affects how comfortable they feel smiling, speaking, or socializing. Healthy teeth and gums can help you feel more confident in those moments. If persistent bad breath is a concern, our post on whether cavities can cause bad breath explains common causes and fixes.
Better Whole Body Health Starts With Your Mouth
The good news is that the habits that protect your gums are simple and within your control. If you want to achieve your health goals this year, add these to your list:
- Brush and floss every day. Brush twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, and clean between your teeth daily.
- See the dentist regularly. Most people do well with a cleaning and exam every six months, though your dentist may recommend a different schedule.
- Replace your toothbrush regularly. Swap it about every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles fray.
- Eat well and limit sugar. Choose healthy foods and cut back on sugary snacks and beverages, especially between meals.
- Avoid tobacco. Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for gum disease, and quitting benefits both your mouth and your overall health.
Skipping these habits has consequences you can see and feel, as we explain in our post on what happens if you don’t brush your teeth.
How Our Mukilteo Team Can Help
Routine dental exams give us the chance to measure the health of your gums, spot early signs of gum disease, and recommend treatment before it progresses. Professional dental cleanings remove the hardened tartar that brushing and flossing cannot. By practicing good oral hygiene at home and keeping up with visits, you give yourself the best chance of keeping your natural teeth for life.
Dr. Kris A. Johnson has been in private practice in Mukilteo since 1990, and our team takes a prevention-first approach for patients of every age. We are also glad to coordinate with your physician when it supports your care. Contact us online to schedule your next cleaning and exam.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Health and Overall Health
Does gum disease cause heart disease?
Research has not shown that gum disease causes heart disease. An American Heart Association scientific statement found that the two are associated but that the evidence does not support a causal relationship. They share risk factors such as smoking, age, and diabetes. Healthy gums are still worth protecting, and heart health questions belong with your physician.
How are diabetes and gum disease connected?
The relationship appears to go both ways. The CDC notes that gum disease can be more severe in people with diabetes, and that gum disease may make diabetes harder to manage. Treating gum disease may help with blood sugar over time, so people with diabetes benefit from regular dental care.
Can treating gum disease improve my overall health?
Treating gum disease protects your teeth, reduces inflammation in your gums, and may help people with diabetes manage blood sugar. Research has not shown that gum treatment prevents conditions such as heart disease, so it should be viewed as one part of taking care of your health rather than a substitute for medical care.
What are the early signs of gum disease?
Early signs include red, swollen, or tender gums, bleeding when you brush or floss, and bad breath that does not go away. As it progresses, gums may pull away from the teeth and teeth may feel loose. Early gum disease can often be reversed with good daily care and a professional cleaning.
How often should I see the dentist to protect my overall health?
Most people do well with a cleaning and exam every six months. If you have a history of gum disease, diabetes, or smoke, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits so problems can be caught and treated early.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
