We all know that brushing and flossing are crucial for maintaining a bright smile, but did you know that your dental health can have a profound impact on your overall well-being? The mouth is a gateway to the rest of the body, and issues that start there can lead to or exacerbate other health problems. If you’re interested in preparing for dental school or medical school, it’s key to start understanding the links between oral health and overall health.
Your mouth is more than just a tool for eating and speaking—it’s a mirror reflecting your overall health. Here are five surprising effects oral health conditions can have on the rest of the body.
Heart Disease and Stroke
One of the most startling connections between dental and overall health is the link to heart disease and stroke. Recent studies have found that dental cavities and periodontal disease (inflammation and infection of the gums and jawbones) are associated with higher stroke risk. For example, the risk of stroke is up to 2.63 times higher in people with periodontal disease than without. Evidence suggests that more than 40% of American adults have some degree of periodontal disease, so further research to establish a better understanding of this association is key.
Research has also shown that poor oral hygiene can lead to the buildup of plaque in your arteries as well as on your teeth. While more research is needed, studies suggest that bacteria from gum disease or dental cavities can enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation and leading to the hardening of arteries (atherosclerosis). This increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Maintaining good oral hygiene is not just about keeping your teeth; it’s also about protecting your heart.
Severe Infections
Poor oral health allows long-lasting, low-grade infections to develop. A large study from Korea with more than 100,000 subjects has established a link between gum disease, cavities, and incidence of pneumonia. It’s believed that bacteria from oral infections can be inhaled into the lungs, leading to respiratory infections. This is particularly concerning for older adults or individuals with compromised immune systems, which is why health systems that treat large numbers of older patients, such as the Veterans Administration, focus on oral health to prevent infection.
Infections that originate in the teeth, gums, or jaws can also spread to other areas of the face. Oral infections have been shown to lead to severe cellulitis in the facial skin, around the eye, or in the sinuses. These infections can quickly become health emergencies, requiring hospitalization and even surgery. Good oral hygiene practices can reduce the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth, thus reducing the risk of severe infections.
Pregnancy Complications
For expecting mothers, maintaining dental health is particularly important. Inflammation and infections in the mouth can trigger an increase in inflammatory markers in the body, which can interfere with fetal development. Studies have shown that women with periodontitis were six times more likely to give birth prematurely, significantly more likely to develop preeclampsia (a potentially fatal complication), and also 66% more likely to develop gestational diabetes.
Pregnant women should be diligent about their dental care, including regular visits to the dentist, to minimize these risks.
Cancer Risk
Emerging research suggests a link between oral health and a higher risk of developing certain cancers. A 2022 study found that periodontitis patients were more than twice as likely to have cancer as people without oral health issues. This risk seems to extend to both oral cancers and those located in other parts of the body. An American Association for Cancer Research article reports that women with periodontitis were at greater risk of breast cancer, esophageal cancer, and gallbladder cancer.
It's important to note that a specific mechanism which connects oral disease to cancer has yet to be identified. It’s thought that chronic inflammation and infection may affect the development of cancer cells elsewhere in the body. While the research is ongoing, it’s another compelling reason to take care of your teeth.
Diabetes and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Finally, there are two conditions which appear to have a bidirectional relationship with poor oral health: they may be caused by dental health issues or make it more likely you will develop them if you have the condition.
The first of these conditions is diabetes. If you have diabetes, taking care of your teeth is crucial. Gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar levels, leading to more severe complications from diabetes. In turn, high blood sugar levels can also increase the risk of infections, including gum infections and oral thrush infections. Managing your dental health is a key part of managing diabetes.
Another chronic condition that could be linked to poor oral health is rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease that attacks the joints, causing serious pain. A 2019 study found that patients with RA who received treatment for gum disease reported a reduction in pain and other RA symptoms. This suggests that bacteria which originate in dental health problems could contribute to the development of RA. Having RA can also cause or exacerbate oral health problems: many medications used to treat RA have side effects that can cause dry mouth, mouth ulcers, and other issues. Regular dental check-ups for both diabetes and RA patients can help prevent the cycle of worsening dental and overall health.
Conclusion
Dental problems can lead to or worsen various health issues, from heart disease to diabetic complications. By prioritizing oral hygiene through regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits, you’re not only ensuring a healthy smile but also safeguarding your entire body.
If you want to play a role in helping others lead healthier lives (and smile brighter), our Master of Science in Medical Science (MSMS) program can help. Read how our MSMS can prepare you to apply to dental school, or find an MSMS near you.
