Oral Health's Impact On Systemic Well-Being

Written by Dyn

Publication : Oct. 14. 2023

<photo credit : WHO / Bosnia and Herzegovina>

Oral health is crucial in maintaining overall well-being, as it serves as a gateway to the body. A growing body of evidence suggests that poor oral hygiene and oral infections can have a significant impact on the development and progression of various systemic diseases. This essay will explore the relationship between oral health and systemic diseases, the mechanisms linking them, and the importance of maintaining good oral health for overall well-being.

First, you’ve probably heard of Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. It is the most common oral infection and is characterized by inflammation and destruction of the attachment apparatus of the teeth. It has been associated with several health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes, and people with gum disease have two to three times the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular events.

In addition to cardiovascular diseases, poor oral health has been linked to other systemic diseases. For instance, gum disease is associated with respiratory disease, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. But how are oral infections linked to secondary systemic effects? There are several proposed mechanisms or pathways linking oral infections to secondary systemic effects. One possibility is that ongoing inflammation in the mouth can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, leading to more inflammation in other parts of the body. Another plausible theory is that the mouth can act as a portal of entry for infection, allowing bacteria to enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation in other parts of the body.

In conclusion, the connection between oral health and systemic diseases is a significant and complex relationship that warrants attention from both dental and medical professionals. Although the direct causality remains elusive, the associations between oral infections and systemic conditions are strong enough to emphasize the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene practices.

citations

https://www.ada.org/en/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/oral

-systemic-health

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC88948/

https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/Documents/Pubs/160-001-OralDiseasesSystemic.p

df

https://www.leanderdental.com/blog/the-oral-systemic-connection

https://www.aaosh.org/connect/relationship-between-oral-health-and-systemic-disease

https://www.padental.org/Online/Resources___Programs/News_Releases/Past_News_Release

s/Connection_Between_Oral_Health_and_Systemic_Diseases.aspx

https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/dental-disorders/approach-to-the-dental-patient/sy

stemic-disorders-and-the-mouth

https://dentalwellnesscenterofbirmingham.com/the-effects-of-oral-health-on-systemic-health/Cg

https://www.ada.org/en/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/oral

-systemic-health

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475

https://ssfamilydentistry.com/blog/oral-health-and-systemic-disease/

https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/gum-disease-and-the-connection-to-he

art-disease

https://www.leanderdental.com/blog/the-oral-systemic-connection

https://www.massdental.org/Public/Oral-Health-Topics/Oral-Health-Is-Overall-Health

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/06/well/oral-health-hygiene.html

https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/heart-disease-and-oral-health