Oral health is not just about having a clean mouth—it is directly connected to various aspects of overall health. From heart disease to diabetes, many systemic health issues show a significant link to oral health conditions, particularly gum disease. Below, we’ll explore how oral health impacts some major health conditions and discuss the difference between correlation and causation, which is crucial in understanding these links.
Correlation vs. Causation
While there is compelling evidence linking oral health to many systemic health conditions, it’s important to understand that many of these health issues correlate with poor oral health, but they are not necessarily caused by it.
Correlation means that two conditions tend to occur together, whereas causation means that one condition directly leads to the other. For example, just because people with gum disease are more likely to have heart disease does not necessarily mean that gum disease causes heart disease. These links are still being studied and more research is needed to understand whether oral health directly influences systemic conditions or if other factors, like lifestyle, contribute to both.
Why are Health Effects and Oral Health Linked?
The links between many health conditions and the negative oral health that accompanies them are still being understood. Some hypothesize that the inflammation of the gums affects the body’s immune response, causing it to work harder to stay healthy, and thus making it more susceptible to other illnesses or effects. Others hypothesize that the mouth acts as a collection point for bacteria and these bacteria then make their way to other parts of the body.
Though the links are still being understood, the relationship between systematic health issues and oral health are well documented. In 2000, the Surgeon General issued a report which recognized the association between periodontal disease and cardiovascular health, stroke, diabetes, and pregnancy complications. The report stated, “oral health is integral to general health. You cannot be healthy without oral health.” Similar reports and statements reiterated these findings in 2006, 2020, and 2021.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at the health issues linked to periodontal disease and poor oral health.
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Health Issues Linked to Oral Health
Cardiovascular Disease
Studies indicate that individuals with gum disease have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. This may be because gum disease leads to inflammation, which may increase inflammation in blood vessels. This inflammation can contribute to the formation of arterial plaque, leading to blockages that increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart and other organs, suggesting a potential pathway through which poor oral health could directly influence cardiovascular health.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Research has shown that bacteria associated with gum disease may affect the brain through the bloodstream or nerve channels, potentially contributing to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The theory is that the body’s inflammatory response to these bacteria could lead to or worsen neurological damage. Although more research is needed, maintaining good oral hygiene may be one step toward protecting long-term cognitive health.
Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders
The relationship between diabetes and gum disease is bidirectional, meaning each one contributes to the other, forming a vicious cycle. High blood sugar in diabetic patients makes it easier for bacteria to grow in the mouth, increasing the risk of gum disease. Conversely, severe gum disease can make it more challenging to control blood sugar, potentially worsening diabetes symptoms. Managing oral health is especially important for diabetic patients as part of a broader strategy for blood sugar management and reducing the risk of complications.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are more likely to have gum disease, possibly due to shared inflammatory processes. Inflammation in the mouth may trigger or worsen joint inflammation, and in some cases, treating gum disease has been shown to alleviate some RA symptoms. This connection highlights the importance of a holistic approach to inflammation management, considering both oral health and joint health.
Cancer
Chronic inflammation and infection in the mouth have been linked to certain cancers, such as pancreatic and oral cancers. While the exact mechanisms are still under investigation, chronic gum disease may create an environment that supports carcinogenic development. Poor oral health may not cause cancer directly, but it could contribute to conditions that allow cancer cells to thrive.
Though the processes of causation are still being researched, it’s clear that poor oral health and health problems are linked. By focusing on good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, you can take an active role in managing these health risks. If you’re behind on your dental check-ups, now is a great time to catch up. Contact BDG to make an appointment at a dental office in Las Vegas, Laughlin, Henderson and surrounding areas.
