Oral health is a key part of overall well-being and physical health.
Great oral health helps you to:
- Eat and chew healthy, nourishing foods
- Defend your body against infection and illness
- Get a good night’s sleep
- Enjoy a feeling of well-being
- Have the confidence to smile
Recognizing the important connection between the mouth and the body, we routinely watch for signs of problems that may affect your overall health such as:
- Signs of oral cancer
- Ability to chew and eat without unnecessary sensitivity
- Quality of sleep by checking for evidence of nighttime bruxism (teeth grinding) and signs of sleep apnea (a condition in which snoring is a symptom)
- Signs of acid reflux, which can be damaging to your teeth and esophagus, and can affect your digestive health.
Although the scientific research at this point remains inconclusive, these diseases appear to have a link to periodontal conditions:
Diabetes - Research has indicated that people with diabetes are more at risk for developing gum disease and that diabetics who have advanced periodontal disease may experience some additional challenges in managing their blood sugar.
Osteoporosis – While there has been little evidence to connect osteoporosis to bone loss in the oral cavity, we may discover an important connection as research continues. Management of osteoporosis, however, does have important considerations for the management of dental problems. For example, medications for osteoporosis, such as bisphosphonates, can increase the risk for complications, including MRONJ (medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws) with certain dental procedures (dental extractions, implants, and osseous surgeries). For patients with osteoporosis, it is even more important to focus on preventive care and good restorative health to avoid these surgeries when on these medications.
Respiratory Disease – The aspiration of bacteria growing in the oral cavity can contribute to the development of respiratory diseases such as pneumonia.
Cancer – According to the American Academy of Periodontology, men with gum disease are more likely to develop specific types of cancer, such as kidney, pancreatic, and blood cancers.
Chronic Inflammatory Diseases - Diseases of chronic inflammation are generally more likely to have some type of connection with periodontal disease since periodontal disease is chronic inflammation in the mouth. Systemic chronic inflammatory diseases include autoimmune conditions, diabetes, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's, dementia, and more. Taking great care of your mouth can lower your overall body inflammation and may reduce your risk when it comes to other health conditions.
Scientists are also currently researching to determine if there is a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, memory, and pre-term or low birth weight babies.