What's the link between oral health and overall health?
- Alli
- May 30
- 2 min read
The link between oral health and overall health is strong and well-established. Oral health is not just about teeth and gums — it is closely connected to the health of the entire body. Here are the main ways they are linked:
1. Systemic Diseases and Oral Health
Cardiovascular Disease: Gum disease (periodontitis) is associated with a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. Inflammation and bacteria in the mouth may contribute to the development of clogged arteries.
Diabetes: There’s a two-way relationship: diabetes increases the risk of gum disease, and gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar.
Respiratory Infections: Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, potentially causing pneumonia or exacerbating existing lung conditions.
Pregnancy Complications: Poor oral health has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
2. Chronic Inflammation
Inflammation in the gums (as in periodontitis) can contribute to chronic low-grade inflammation in the body, a known risk factor for many diseases, including cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
3. Immune System Burden
Oral infections add stress to the immune system. This constant immune activation may weaken the body's ability to fend off other illnesses.
4. Nutrition and Digestion
Painful teeth or gum disease can make chewing difficult, leading to poor nutrition. Oral problems may also indicate digestive or autoimmune disorders.
5. Mental Health and Social Well-Being
Oral pain, tooth loss, or bad breath can affect confidence, speech, and social interaction, leading to anxiety or depression.
6. Medications and Oral Health
Many medications (like antihistamines, antidepressants, and diuretics) reduce saliva, increasing the risk of tooth decay and oral infections.
Key takeaway: Maintaining good oral hygiene (brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups) isn't just about avoiding cavities — it's a crucial part of protecting your overall health.
Sources:
Murray PE, Coffman JA, Garcia-Godoy F. Oral Pathogens' Substantial Burden on Cancer, Cardiovascular Diseases, Alzheimer's, Diabetes, and Other Systemic Diseases: A Public Health Crisis-A Comprehensive Review. Pathogens. 2024 Dec 9;13(12):1084. doi: 10.3390/pathogens13121084. PMID: 39770344; PMCID: PMC11677847.
Steven Hopkins, Saivaroon Gajagowni, Yusuf Qadeer, Zhen Wang, Salim S. Virani, Jukka H. Meurman, Chayakrit Krittanawong,
Oral Health and Cardiovascular Disease,
The American Journal of Medicine,
Volume 137, Issue 4,
2024,
Pages 304-307,
ISSN 0002-9343,
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002934323007556)
Hajishengallis G. Interconnection of periodontal disease and comorbidities: Evidence, mechanisms, and implications. Periodontol 2000. 2022 Jun;89(1):9-18. doi: 10.1111/prd.12430. Epub 2022 Mar 4. PMID: 35244969; PMCID: PMC9018559.
Liccardo D, Cannavo A, Spagnuolo G, Ferrara N, Cittadini A, Rengo C, Rengo G. Periodontal Disease: A Risk Factor for Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease. Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Mar 20;20(6):1414. doi: 10.3390/ijms20061414. PMID: 30897827; PMCID: PMC6470716.
Zheng, X., Li, X., Zhen, J. et al. Periodontitis is associated with stroke. J Transl Med 21, 697 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-023-04545-1
Greicy C. Montenegro-González,
Carlos Bea,
F. Javier Ampudia-Blasco,
Herminia González-Navarro,
José T. Real,
Maria Peñarrocha-Diago,
Sergio Martínez-Hervás,
Usefulness of the CDC/AAP and the EFP/AAP Criteria to Detect Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Subjects with Diabetes and Severe Periodontal Disease,Diagnostics,15,7,(928),(2025).https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15070928
Seitz MW, Listl S, Bartols A, Schubert I, Blaschke K, Haux C, et al. Current Knowledge on Correlations Between Highly Prevalent Dental Conditions and Chronic Diseases: An Umbrella Review. Prev Chronic Dis 2019;16:180641. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5888/pcd16.180641.
PEER REVIEWED
Comments