Bright & healthy smile
Can your teeth affect your overall health?
Maintaining good oral hygiene is not just about having a bright smile and fresh breath; it plays a crucial role in your overall health. In this guide, we’ll explore the vital connection between professional teeth cleaning and your well-being.
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How important are teeth to your health?
Teeth play a crucial role in overall health, impacting various aspects of well-being. Scientific studies emphasize their significance in the following ways:
Cardiovascular Health: Research suggests a link between gum disease and cardiovascular problems, underscoring the interconnectedness of oral and heart health (Desvarieux et al., 2005).
Diabetes Management: For individuals with diabetes, maintaining oral health through regular professional cleaning can positively impact blood sugar level management (Löe, 1993).
Cognitive Health: Emerging evidence indicates a potential link between poor oral health, including bad teeth, and an increased risk of dementia (Noble et al., 2009)
References:
Desvarieux, M., Demmer, R. T., Rundek, T., Boden-Albala, B., Jacobs Jr, D. R., Sacco, R. L., & Papapanou, P. N. (2005). Periodontal microbiota and carotid intima-media thickness: the Oral Infections and Vascular Disease Epidemiology Study (INVEST). Circulation, 111(5), 576-582
oble, J. M., Borrell, L. N., Papapanou, P. N., Elkind, M. S., & Scarmeas, N. (2009). Periodontitis is associated with cognitive impairment among older adults: Analysis of NHANES-III. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, 80(11), 1206-1211.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6755758/
Can removing bad teeth improve your health?
Removing bad or infected teeth may improve overall health by preventing the spread of infections, reducing inflammation linked to conditions like heart disease and arthritis, and promoting better nutrition due to improved chewing ability. The connection between oral health and systemic health is well-established, and maintaining good dental hygiene is crucial for overall well-being (Mayo Clinic, American Dental Association). If you have dental concerns, consulting with a dentist is recommended for personalized advice and treatment (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
Regular teeth cleaning plays a pivotal role in preventing and managing these conditions.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6755758/
What does inflammation do to your body?
In simpler terms, research suggests that neglecting oral health, especially gum disease, may contribute to broader health problems. Treating gum disease could potentially lower the risk of various illnesses. Evidence indicates that addressing gum issues may improve overall health, including better blood sugar control in diabetes, reduced pregnancy complications, and enhanced outcomes for heart disease, according to the American Dental Association. So, caring for our gums isn’t just about a healthy smile; it may also play a role in keeping our entire body healthy.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19461642/
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Does dental hygiene affect heart?
Scientific studies have indicated a correlation between dental hygiene and heart health. The bacteria linked to gum disease can enter the bloodstream, potentially contributing to cardiovascular problems. Research suggests that regular professional teeth cleaning may help reduce the risk of these complications, emphasizing the connection between oral health and heart well-being.
Desvarieux, M., Demmer, R. T., Rundek, T., Boden-Albala, B., Jacobs Jr, D. R., Sacco, R. L., & Papapanou, P. N. (2005). Periodontal microbiota and carotid intima-media thickness: the Oral Infections and Vascular Disease Epidemiology Study (INVEST). Circulation, 111(5), 576-582.
Lockhart, P. B., Bolger, A. F., Papapanou, P. N., Osinbowale, O., Trevisan, M., Levison, M. E., … & Taubert, K. A. (2012). Periodontal disease and atherosclerotic vascular disease: does the evidence support an independent association? A scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 125(20), 2520-2544.
How does diabetes affect your oral health?
People with diabetes are more prone to gum disease, a condition supported by research (Löe, 1993). Conversely, gum disease can complicate blood sugar level management in diabetes patients (Taylor, Borgnakke, & Rirattanapong, 2013). Prioritizing professional teeth cleaning is crucial for individuals with diabetes, as it can be a proactive measure to manage oral health and potentially impact diabetes management positively.
öe, H. (1993). Periodontal disease. The sixth complication of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Care, 16(1), 329-334.
Taylor, G. W., Borgnakke, W. S., & Rirattanapong, P. (2013). Periodontal disease: associations with diabetes, glycemic control and complications. Oral Diseases, 19(6), 523-530.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37548156/
What does your mouth say about your health?
According to Dr. R. Constance Wiener, your oral health is intertwined with your overall well-being. Symptoms in your lips, tongue, gums, throat, and jaw can signal underlying conditions like diabetes, substance use disorders, or, less commonly, oral cancer. Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for early detection of systemic issues, emphasizing the holistic connection between oral and overall health.
Wiener, R. C. (2016). The connection between oral health and systemic conditions. Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry, 37(5), 325-326.
The Cognitive Connection: Oral Health and Alzheimer's Disease
There is emerging evidence suggesting a potential link between poor oral health, including bad teeth, and an increased risk of dementia. Chronic gum disease has been associated with a higher likelihood of cognitive decline and dementia in some studies (Noble et al., 2014; Stein et al., 2012). While more research is needed to establish a direct causal relationship, maintaining good oral hygiene may play a role in reducing the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.
Noble, J. M., Borrell, L. N., Papapanou, P. N., Elkind, M. S., & Scarmeas, N. (2009). Periodontitis is associated with cognitive impairment among older adults: Analysis of NHANES-III. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, 80(11), 1206-1211.
Stein, P. S., Desrosiers, M., Donegan, S. J., Yepes, J. F., & Kryscio, R. J. (2012). Tooth loss, dementia and neuropathology in the Nun study. Journal of the American Dental Association, 143(5), 415-426.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34501899/
Does regular professional teeth cleaning improve dental health?
To harness the benefits of professional teeth cleaning for your overall health, it’s essential to make it a consistent part of your health routine. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings, combined with a robust at-home oral care regimen, form a proactive approach to maintaining both oral and systemic health.
- Oral Health and Systemic Health – NIH
- Inflammation and Oral Health – ScienceDirect
- Gum Disease and Heart Health – American Heart Association
- Diabetes and Oral Health – American Dental Association
- Oral Health and Respiratory Infections – Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology
- Oral Health and Cognitive Decline – Alzheimer’s Association