How Oral Health Is Affecting Your Overall Health 

The bidirectional impact of gum disease

Oral health issues are stunningly prevalent in our society. This clear problem becomes all the more urgent when you consider the deep, complex, bidirectional relationship between your dental health and your overall health.

Associations between periodontal diseases and systemic conditions (i.e. affecting the entire body) have been widely studied. They are often attributed to the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream and pro-inflammatory proteins that can affect other parts of your body. These associations occur via shared underlying pathways and common risk factors such as age, socio-economic status, and lifestyle choices.

This scientific research underscores the importance of managing these risk factors and prioritising excellent oral care for those with predisposing traits.

Here, we’ll explore some of the known associations between oral health and overall health, including links to systemic diseases, pregnancy implications, and a range of other potential associations.

Oral health and systemic diseases

As we’ve explored in the past, research has surfaced dozens of links between systemic health issues and gum disease. These systemic links have been seen with a number of very common conditions, including:

• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Alzheimer's Disease
• Cancer
• Rheumatoid Arthritis

If you have a genetic predisposition to any of these noncommunicable health conditions, you should consider placing extra emphasis on taking good care of your teeth and gums. Doing so will help you avoid oral health issues that could further exacerbate or complicate your condition.

Familiarise yourself with symptoms and indicators of each of these diseases and take a proactive approach to communicating with both your dentist and physician about any concerns.

The importance of oral health during pregnancy

During pregnancy, we advise being especially mindful of the connection between your oral health and overall health – not to mention the overall health of your little one!

Many women – as many as 60-70% – experience gingivitis (gum inflammation) during pregnancy. This can happen to pregnant women even if they’ve been taking good care of their oral health and haven’t had issues with gingivitis in the past. 

Gingivitis during pregnancy is nothing to be alarmed about! This heightened inflammatory response is the body’s natural reaction to an increase in sex hormones.

Keep in mind that your gums may be a little extra tender and sensitive during pregnancy. Be careful but intentional with your oral care routine, even in the midst of pregnancy gingivitis.

Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and make sure to clean interdentally each day. 

Some other oral health factors to keep in mind during a pregnancy:

• Women sometimes experience an increase in saliva production during pregnancy. This is normal.
• For those who experience morning sickness, it is advisable not to brush your teeth within one hour of vomiting, as the gastric acid can make your teeth more susceptible to wear from the abrasives in toothpaste.

General health implications of poor oral health 

Studies have identified a number of smaller and more subtle health effects that can be traced back to oral health, some of which may relate to the systemic health issues cited above.

Lack of appetite

There have been studies on the relationship between poor oral health and eating disorders, but at a more general level, tooth and gum pain have the propensity to alter eating habits for the simple reason that it can hurt to bite and chew. If you find that oral health issues are affecting your desire or ability to eat the foods you normally enjoy – especially those that help to keep gingivitis at bay – it should serve as an immediate prompt to go see your dentist.

Depression

A study of more than 13,000 patients from general practices in the UK “demonstrated an association between chronic gingivitis and subsequent depression.” The link was seen across men and women of all age groups.

This is especially troubling because it can lead to self-sustaining patterns and deteriorating oral health. As Dr. Samuel Low explained in an interview with DentistryIQ:

People all around the world are struggling with their mental health during the challenging times we face. If you’re among them, don’t feel alone and please don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

Tips for improving your oral health

As these examples reiterate, your oral health and overall health are interlinked in profound and fundamental ways. If you notice any of these effects and suspect they may relate to your oral health, it’s worth getting in touch with your physician and dentist to form a plan.

Lifestyle changes that improve oral health and overall wellness

Mitigating lifestyle risk factors such as smoking, drinking, poor diet, and lack of exercise can benefit your wellness in multiple ways.

Quitting smoking

• Reduces the risk of gum disease and oral cancers.
• Improves blood circulation in the gums.
• Decreases bad breath and improves overall oral hygiene.

Moderating alcohol consumption

• Reduces the risk of oral cancer and gum disease.
• Minimises dehydration, which can lead to dry mouth and increased plaque buildup.
• Enhances the effectiveness of oral hygiene practices.

Maintaining a balanced diet

• Incorporating plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals into your diet supports gum health.
• Limiting sugary snacks and beverages will help you prevent tooth decay.
• Including fibre, calcium and phosphorus-rich foods (like dairy and leafy greens) will help strengthen your teeth.

Staying hydrated

• Drinking plenty of water will help wash away food particles and bacteria.
• Hydration aids in saliva production, which is key to naturally cleaning and protecting your mouth.

Follow a complete oral hygiene ritual for better health

Establishing a consistent oral hygiene routine is essential for maintaining overall wellness, and preventing issues like gum disease and cavities.

Use this information as a motivator to create and sustain a healthy lifestyle that protects both your oral and overall health!