Oral-Systemic Connection Weston, FL
The oral-systemic connection is the connection between oral and overall health. This mouth-to-body connection is a key part of maintaining overall health, well-being, and quality of life. Understanding this link can help patients achieve optimal health.
The health of your mouth, teeth, and gums can significantly impact your overall health. Our team at Artful Dentistry & Wellness keeps the oral-systemic connection in mind when treating patients in Weston and the surrounding area. Call us today at (954) 526-2266 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Understanding the Oral-Systemic Connection
According to the Mayo Clinic, research has found that gum disease is often indicative of various systemic conditions. As a primary entryway into the digestive and respiratory tracts, the mouth is a natural breeding ground for bacteria. While most of these bacteria are harmless, poor oral hygiene practices may enable them to multiply at dangerously high levels — putting the mouth at risk for various oral infections. Once inflammation enters the bloodstream, the body's immune system will be at heightened risk for other systemic conditions.
Traditional dentists tend to treat isolated conditions rather than considering patients in their entirety. Additionally, most patients typically see dentists on an "as-needed" basis. In reality, they should make consistent visits to reap all the benefits of a complete health dentistry program. A total health dentist will go over a patient's medical history to give them the most comprehensive treatment plan. In addition to screening for oral cancer, total health dentists can identify warning signs of other oral health issues and systemic conditions.
“According to the Mayo Clinic, research has found that gum disease is often indicative of other systemic conditions.”
How Bacteria Impacts the Heart
The mouth is full of bacteria, with plaque harboring over 500 different species of bacteria. While most bacteria are harmless, poor oral hygiene can cause harmful bacteria to accumulate and cause other complications. In particular, the bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis has a link to serious health issues, including heart disease.
Oral bacteria that result from gum disease can enter the bloodstream and cause a bacterial infection to spread throughout the body. This infection can alter the gut's microbiome adversely and cause inflammation in the body, resulting in vascular damage to the heart. The bacteria that cause gum disease can also travel to other blood vessels, causing damage and serious problems like blood clots and heart attacks.
“In particular, the bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis has a link to serious health issues, including heart disease.”
The Effects of Chronic Oral Inflammation
The idea of the oral-systemic link is nothing new. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), it has been around since at least the late 19th century. However, it has not been until the last several decades that experts have found proven associations between oral health and systemic diseases (specifically cardiovascular diseases and diabetes). There are two possible reasons for this:
- Chronic inflammation in the oral cavity increases inflammatory markers’ levels in the bloodstream, negatively affecting the immune system.
- The oral cavity collects disease-causing bacteria that can enter the bloodstream.
As such, any failure to prevent or control periodontal diseases can increase the risk of adverse health outcomes. Invasive dental procedures can also increase the risk of stroke and myocardial infarctions. However, dental care may also have a positive impact on overall health: Treating periodontal diseases can effectively treat type 2 diabetes. Enhanced oral hygiene may prevent respiratory infections and death from pneumonia in elderly patients. In any case, dental care must be carried out with patients' total health in mind.
“Chronic inflammation in the oral cavity increases levels of inflammatory markers in the bloodstream, negatively affecting the immune system.”
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Nutrition, Positive Oral Health, and Overall Health
The mouth offers a view into a person's overall health. It is one of the first places where signs of nutritional deficiencies appear. The foods that people choose to consume impact not only oral health but also general health.
Eating a poor diet can contribute to conditions such as decay and gum disease. We recommend avoiding foods high in sugar and starches that can cause the enamel to erode and cause decay. Eating a well-balanced diet with fruits and vegetables rich in fiber can help reduce gum disease progression.
“The foods that people choose to consume impact not only oral health but also general health.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How does oral health affect overall health?
Q. What are the effects of chronic oral inflammation on the rest of the body?
Q. What systemic conditions are linked to oral health?
Q. How do bacteria impact the heart?
Q. What is the connection between nutrition, positive oral health, and overall health?
People Also Ask
Q. What is OralDNA diagnostic testing?
Q. What is the importance of a healthy mouth baseline?
Q. How does medication for diabetes impact oral hygiene?
Q. Why is preventative care important?
Q. What family members may need extra help with their oral hygiene?
Systemic Conditions Linked to Oral Health
Oral health is linked to a variety of systemic health conditions aside from heart disease. Some of the most prominent include diabetes, pneumonia, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjorgen's syndrome. As certain conditions may sometimes necessitate changes to oral health treatment, patients should be as forthcoming as possible about their medical history.
For example, diabetes and oral health have a bidirectional relationship — meaning treating one can treat the other. At the same time, diabetes reduces the body's ability to resist infection, thus increasing the patient's risk for gum disease. Research also suggests that poor oral hygiene increases elderly patients' risk of developing pneumonia. Additionally, rheumatoid arthritis and periodontal disease are both linked to severe inflammation. Patients may become more susceptible to Sjogren's syndrome as a result.
“As certain conditions may sometimes necessitate changes to oral health treatment, patients should be as forthcoming as possible about their medical history.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What causes dental decay?
A. A combination of factors can cause dental decay. Some common factors include oral bacteria, eating and drinking sugary foods and beverages, and failure to clean teeth well.
Q. How can I prevent dental decay?
A. The best way to prevent dental decay is through proper oral hygiene. A good hygiene routine includes brushing teeth twice a day and flossing teeth at least once. This will remove plaque and debris that result in decay-causing bacteria to build up.
Q. What is plaque?
A. Plaque is a sticky film that constantly develops on teeth. It consists of bacteria that produce acid and, without removal, can harden into tartar. This can eventually cause tooth decay and loss.
Q. What is an abscess?
A. An abscess is a pocket of pus that develops in the teeth or gums. It often forms due to a bacterial infection resulting from poor oral hygiene or an untreated cavity or injury. Abscesses can cause severe pain and require prompt treatment to prevent further oral and overall health complications.
Q. What are the risk factors associated with gum disease?
A. Gum disease happens when an infection occurs in the tissues that hold the teeth in place. Some common risk factors include genetics, smoking or chewing tobacco, certain medications, crooked teeth, poorly fitting dental appliances, and broken fillings. Other risks associated with gum disease include pregnancy and complications that cause compromised immunity.
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Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
A healthier life begins with a healthier mouth. We at Artful Dentistry & Wellness may be able to help. Call us today at 954-526-2266 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
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- Artful Dentistry & Wellness was established in 2000.
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