By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: The Link Between Dental Health And Overall Health
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Specialties > Dental health > The Link Between Dental Health And Overall Health
Dental healthHome Health

The Link Between Dental Health And Overall Health

emilyfolk
emilyfolk
Share
5 Min Read
SHARE

  Brushing and flossing are obviously important in preserving those pearly whites and promoting great dental hygiene. However, the effects of a proper oral hygiene routine aren’t limited to the mouth. Oral health has been linked to diabetes, cancer, memory, heart disease and more. While scientists are unsure whether these links are correlative or causative, it’s clear that people must understand the importance of oral health if they are to maintain their overall wellness. Here are a few instances where dental health may play a role in other areas and functions of the body.

Contents
  • Diabetes
  • Heart Disease
  • Birth Complications
  • Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Liver Cancer
  • Practicing Good Dental Health

Diabetes

In diabetics, it’s common to find cases of periodontal disease, an infection in the gum and bone that can result in tooth loss. Diabetes can also hinder oral healing, making it difficult for patients to recover from treatments addressing their periodontal disease. Diabetes may also cause dry mouth and a painful infection called thrush, which produces white patches in the mouth. Often, the first signs of infection include soreness, a bad taste in the mouth and swollen or bleeding gums.

Heart Disease

Scientists also link poor oral health — specifically tooth loss — to cardiovascular disease. However, researchers are still unsure if there is a direct or indirect relationship between them, even though they often occur together. Some surmise that the food people eat can introduce certain bacteria to the mouth. These bacteria can travel into the bloodstream and cause inflammation in the blood vessels, which can increase the risk of stroke, heart disease and heart attacks.

Birth Complications

Pregnant patients may experience a higher risk of developing gingivitis due to changes in their hormones and diet. The resulting inflammation may trigger an increase in prostaglandin, inducing early labor and, therein, preterm birth. Naturally, this can negatively affect both mother and baby as the child will often have a low birth weight. The mother may also suffer poor mental health. However, dental caries seem to have the opposite effect, at least in terms of birth weight. In women with cavities and tooth decay, there may be a higher risk of delivering babies that are large for gestational age compared to those without dental caries. Of course, other factors — like diet and exercise — may cause this association to occur.

More Read

Urinalysis Via Mobile App
Best Buy Selling Consumer Wellness Software
The 80-20 Rule and Disruptive Healthcare Professionals
How to make sure your favorite health food is as healthy as it sounds [Infographic]
Bed Bugs Found Carrying Drug-Resistant MRSA

Alzheimer’s Disease

Recently, scientists discovered that the bacteria that causes gingivitis can travel from the mouth to the brain. These bacteria then release enzymes in the brain that destroy nerve cells and lead to memory loss. Eventually, this can lead patients to develop Alzheimer’s disease and other serious forms of dementia. Periodontal bacteria can even hasten the development of Alzheimer’s through the formation of amyloid-beta plaques. While the bacteria won’t directly cause Alzheimer’s, it can increase patient risk and rapidly progress once they develop it. This brain-affecting condition is one major factor in defining the importance of oral health.

Liver Cancer

Researchers also link poor oral health to a 75% increased risk of developing gastrointestinal cancers, including liver cancer. However, they don’t completely understand the biological mechanisms behind poor oral health and its connection to liver cancer. Thus, scientists are left to theorize the role of oral health on the liver and vice versa. One theory is that people with missing teeth as a result of poor oral health may alter their diet to consume softer and less nutritious food, thereby harming the liver. Another explanation includes a dysfunctional liver being responsible for the buildup of harmful bacteria in the gut. One such bacteria originates in the oral cavity. However, scientists still don’t understand its role in the liver. Obviously, these findings warrant further research.

Practicing Good Dental Health

Although scientists don’t fully understand the links between overall health and dental hygiene in many regards, it’s clear there is a strong connection between the two. Therefore, it’s best to practice good dental hygiene as a preventative measure in maintaining overall health. As more research emerges, we may discover that proper brushing and flossing may prevent other health issues and lower the risk of developing oral diseases due to underlying health problems.

TAGGED:dental caredental healthdentistryHealthcareoverall healthpatient engagementpublic healthwellbeingwellness
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

a woman walking on the hallway
6 Easy Healthcare Ways to Sit Less and Move More Every Day
Health
September 9, 2025
Clinical Expertise
Healthcare at a Crossroads: Why Leadership Matters More Than Ever
Global Healthcare
September 9, 2025
travel nurse in north carolina
Balancing Speed and Scope: Choosing the Nursing Degree That Fits Your Goals
Nursing
September 1, 2025
intimacy
How to Keep Intimacy Comfortable as You Age
Relationship and Lifestyle Senior Care
September 1, 2025

You Might also Like

Home Health

How To Keep Home Healthcare Workers Safe And Secure

October 16, 2018

Fall-Prone Seniors Fail to Adjust Walking Speed

November 7, 2011
woman on exercise bike
Home HealthObesityWellness

Here’s Why To Choose A Home Gym For Your Fitness Routine

July 9, 2019
Home HealthMedical DevicesSenior CareTechnology

5 Healthcare Technologies Transforming Aging In Place

July 11, 2019
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?