Banner. Girl flossing

simplesteps

Mouth Body Connection

Your mouth matters — more than you may know

A nice smile can brighten your appearance. But good dental health also helps keep your mouth in better shape. That means fewer cavities, stronger teeth and less chance of gum disease. Sometimes, the first signs of general health problems show up in the mouth.1 And a dental professional can spot signs of many of them.

Research shows that caring for your teeth and gums may be important to your overall health. What goes on in your mouth can affect the rest of your body. At the same time, what goes on in your body can affect your mouth.

We conducted studies with the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. Our goal? To understand the connection between infections in the mouth and their impact on other parts of the body. We learned how taking care of teeth and gums may be important to overall health.

A healthier mouth can help you have a healthier life. With good dental care you can2:

  • Cut your risk of heart disease
  • Lower your risk of stroke
  • Help control your blood sugar
  • Help lower your risk of rheumatoid arthritis
  • Lower the chance of early delivery during pregnancy

Here’s additional information about dental and medical conditions that are often interrelated:

    Gum disease
    This is an infection of the tissues that hold the teeth in place. It usually begins when bacteria that aren’t properly removed during brushing and flossing inflame the gums. Stages include:

    • Gingivitis: Early gum disease. If left untreated, it can become a serious infection and destroy your gums and tissues surrounding the teeth.
    • Periodontitis: More advanced gum disease. Infection may lead to the loss of bone around the teeth and to tooth loss. And the damage may not stop in the mouth. Research suggests that periodontitis may be associated with many health problems. The inflammation associated with periodontitis may complicate diseases in other parts of the body. This is especially true if serious gum disease continues without treatment.2

    Diabetes
    With diabetes, you’re more likely to develop mouth and gum conditions than people without diabetes.3 And bad breath or bleeding gums may be the first signs of diabetes. If you have diabetes, you also may develop:

    • Dry mouth, which may increase tooth decay
    • Receding gums, especially if your diabetes is not well managed4

    Treating the gums can help make diabetes easier to control.5

    Heart disease
    This is the leading cause of death for Americans. People with periodontitis may be more likely to have heart attacks or strokes. Bacteria may enter the bloodstream through the mouth and attach to fatty deposits in the blood vessels, which may contribute to heart disease.2 Another theory is that the inflammation associated with periodontitis may play a role.2 Seeing your dentist regularly might be one of the best defenses against these illnesses.

    Dental issues during pregnancy

    Pregnancy causes changes to the body, sometimes in the mouth. These changes may affect your overall health and the health of your unborn baby. During a dental exam, your dentist will look for:

    • Pregnancy gingivitis: Pregnancy hormones can make your gums red or swollen. They may even bleed. Your dentist can give you a home-care program to help control this condition.
    • Serious gum disease: Periodontitis may produce a chemical in the body that may cause early labor. Visiting your dentist while pregnant can help spot a problem, and treatment can begin right away.
    • Tooth enamel wear: If you get frequent morning sickness, stomach acids can wear down your tooth enamel. Your dentist can give you a fluoride mouth rinse to help fight the effects. Morning sickness also may cause appetite loss. This may lead to poor nutrition. A prescription vitamin or supplement can help.

     

     

    1The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry. What can my dentist tell me about my overall health? February 8, 2018. Available at: Dentistry.UIC.edu/Patients/Oral-Health-Overall-Health. Accessed October 2019.

    2American Academy of Periodontology. Periodontal disease and systemic health. Available at: Perio.org/ Consumer/Gum-Disease-and-Other-Diseases. Accessed October 2019.

    3American Academy of Periodontology. Diabetes and periodontal disease. Available at: Perio.org/Consumer/ Gum-Disease-and-Diabetes.htm. Accessed October 2019.

    4American Academy of Periodontology. Gum disease symptoms. Available at: Perio.org/Consumer/ Gum-Disease-Symptoms.htm. Accessed October 2019.

    5BMC Oral Health. The effect of periodontal therapy on glycemic control and fasting plasma glucose level in type 2 diabetic patients: systematic review and meta-analysis. 2016. Available at: BMCOralhealth.Biomedcentral.com/ articles/10.1186/s12903-016-0249-1/open-peer-review. Accessed October 2019.