Mouth – Body Connection
The Mouth-body Connection: The Surprising Link between Your Oral Health and Overall Well-being
Many people underestimate how important oral health is to their overall well-being. Optimal dental care benefits more than just teeth and gums—it maintains systematic health, too. Several studies have shown the interconnectedness between the mouth and the whole body. Because of this mouth-body connection, there is a strong correlation between periodontal disease and diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease, and other systematic issues. Untreated oral infections can spread to other parts of the body, causing severe problems.
Want to learn more about the mouth-body connection? Schedule an appointment with the team at Kelli Brady DDS to understand how your oral health affects your overall well-being.
Understanding the mouth-body connection
Your mouth is considered the window to your whole body. Problems in your mouth can cause more issues in your body and vice versa. Because of this bidirectional relationship, it’s paramount to maintain optimal oral and overall health to keep your mouth and whole body issue-free.
Still not convinced about the mouth-body connection? See for yourself the relationship between periodontal disease and other systematic conditions.
- Periodontal disease and diabetes: Inflammation—a hallmark of gum disease—increases the risk of diabetes by almost 9%. Inflammation increases the release of cytokines, which can increase insulin resistance, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Similarly, patients with diabetes are more likely to develop periodontal disease than non-diabetics. Diabetes weakens your immunity, making you susceptible to infections, including gum disease.
- Periodontal disease and heart disease: Uncontrolled gum disease can allow unwanted bacteria to enter the bloodstream through open sores in the gums. As periodontal pathogens travel throughout the body, they can damage major organs, including the heart.
- Periodontal disease and pregnancy complications: Pregnant mothers should take optimal care of their oral health to preserve the health of the unborn child. Women with advanced gum disease may experience elevated levels of prostaglandin—a harmful substance in mouth bacteria. Prostaglandin can trigger premature labor or babies with low birth weight.
- Periodontal disease and osteoporosis: Osteoporosis occurs when the body experiences low bone density because it either cannot generate new bone or absorbs too much old bone. Uncontrolled gum disease causes harmful bacteria to damage the jawbone, which is particularly detrimental and progressive for persons battling osteoporosis.
Explore the mouth-body connection today!
It’s clear your mouth health has a direct link with your systematic health. Your oral health can tell a lot about your whole-body health and vice versa. If you’d like to learn more about the mouth-body connection, talk to Dr. Kelli Brady today. Contact our Norwood, NJ office at (201) 806-6866 or our New York, NY office at (646) 692-0227.
